# Source: https://docs.runpod.io/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/introduction.md


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# Introduction to the Runpod Python SDK

Welcome to the world of Serverless AI development with the [Runpod Python SDK](https://github.com/runpod/runpod-python).

The Runpod Python SDK helps you develop Serverless AI applications so that you can build and deploy scalable AI solutions efficiently.

This series of tutorials will deepen your understanding of Serverless principles and the practical knowledge to use the Runpod Python SDK in your AI applications.

## Prerequisites

To follow along with this guide, you should have:

* Basic programming knowledge in Python.
* An understanding of AI and machine learning concepts.
* [An account on the Runpod platform](https://www.console.runpod.io/signup).

## What is the Runpod Python SDK?

The [Runpod Python SDK](https://github.com/runpod/runpod-python) is a toolkit designed to facilitate the creation and deployment of Serverless applications on the Runpod platform.

It is optimized for AI and machine learning workloads, simplifying the development of scalable, cloud-based AI applications. The SDK allows you to define handler functions, conduct local testing, and utilize GPU support.

Acting as a bridge between your Python code and Runpod's cloud infrastructure, the SDK enables you to execute complex AI tasks without managing underlying hardware.

To start using Runpod Python SDK, see the [prerequisites](/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/prerequisites) section or if, you're already setup proceed to the [Hello World](/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/hello-world) tutorial, where we will guide you through creating, deploying, and running your first Serverless AI application.

You can also see a library of complete Runpod samples in the [Worker library](https://github.com/runpod-workers) on GitHub. These samples are complete Python libraries for common use cases.

## Learn more

Continue your journey by following our sequenced lessons designed to deepen your understanding and skills:

Here's a brief overview of each tutorial:

1. [Prerequisites and setup](/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/prerequisites):

   * Installing Python and setting up a virtual environment
   * Installing the Runpod SDK
   * Configuring your Runpod account

2. [Hello World: Your first Runpod function](/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/hello-world):

   * Creating a basic handler function
   * Understanding job input and output
   * Starting the Serverless worker

3. [Running and testing locally](/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/running-locally):

   * Testing with JSON input files
   * Interpreting local test output

4. [Runpod functions](/tutorials/sdks/python/101/hello):

   * Creating a basic handler function
   * Understanding job input and output
   * Starting the Serverless worker
   * Testing with command-line arguments

5. [Using a Local Server](/tutorials/sdks/python/101/local-server-testing):

   * Setting up a local test server
   * Sending HTTP requests to your local function
   * Understanding server output and debugging
   * Comparing command-line and server-based testing

6. [Building a Generator Handler for Streaming Results](/tutorials/sdks/python/101/generator):

   * Understanding generator functions in Runpod's SDK
   * Creating a text-to-speech simulator with streaming output
   * Implementing a generator handler for incremental processing
   * Testing and debugging generator-based Serverless functions

7. [Advanced Handler Techniques](/tutorials/sdks/python/101/async):

   * Synchronous vs asynchronous handlers
   * Using generator functions for streaming output
   * Handling multiple inputs and complex data structures

8. [Error Handling and Logging](/tutorials/sdks/python/101/error):

   * Implementing try-except blocks in handlers
   * Using Runpod's logging system
   * Best practices for error management in Serverless functions

9. [Hugging Face Integration](/tutorials/sdks/python/102/huggingface-models):

   * Installing and importing external libraries
   * Loading and using a Hugging Face model
   * Optimizing model loading for Serverless environments

10. [Stable Diffusion](/tutorials/sdks/python/102/stable-diffusion-text-to-image):

    * Setting up a text-to-image generation function
    * Handling larger inputs and outputs

Now, move on to the [prerequisites](/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/prerequisites) and then set up [your first “Hello World”](/tutorials/sdks/python/get-started/hello-world) application with Runpod Python SDK.