Andrej Karpathy, former OpenAI researcher and Tesla Autopilot AI lead, has introduced microGPT, a GPT-style language model distilled into just 243 lines of pure Python. The project is built without PyTorch, TensorFlow, or NumPy, demonstrating how large language models function at their core through simplified implementation.

Karpathy shared on X, “This is the full algorithmic content of what is needed. Everything else is just for efficiency. I cannot simplify this any further.” The code incorporates embeddings, multi-head self-attention, RMS normalization, and an autoregressive text generation loop, offering a transparent view of foundational LLM architecture.

Anand Iyer of Lightspeed Ventures described the K&R of language models, noting that it enables readers to understand how LLMs work in a single sitting rather than treating them as opaque systems. Online reactions highlight strong interest in this rare clarity within artificial intelligence development.