Course

Token Usage Optimization

Learn how AI tokens work, where costs add up, and how to reduce usage with smarter prompts, token awareness, and practical tracking.

This course includes
This course includes
  • Skill level

    Beginner
  • Time to complete

    Average based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary
    1 hour
  • Prerequisites

    None

About this course

Learn how tokens are counted and what drives their cost, then explore strategies for writing efficient prompts, choosing the right model, and managing long-running sessions. Discover how chat compression and caching affect usage, and recognize when optimization is worth the effort.

Skills you'll gain

  • Differentiate input and output tokens and explain how costs accumulate in a conversation

  • Construct token-efficient prompts using structure, formatting, and appropriate output length

  • Apply smart usage habits, model selection, session management, and effort settings to reduce unnecessary spend

  • Evaluate when token optimization is worth the effort versus when diminishing returns make “good enough” the right call

Syllabus

  • Token Usage Optimization

    Learn how AI tokens work, where costs add up, and how to reduce usage with smarter prompts, token awareness, and practical tracking.

  • Certificate of completion available with Plus or Pro

    Earn a certificate of completion and showcase your accomplishment on your resume or LinkedIn.

The platform

Hands-on learning

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Earn a certificate of completion

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Reviews from learners

  • The progress I have made since starting to use codecademy is immense! I can study for short periods or long periods at my own convenience - mostly late in the evenings.
    Chris
    Codecademy Learner @ USA
  • I felt like I learned months in a week. I love how Codecademy uses learning by practice and gives great challenges to help the learner to understand a new concept and subject.
    Rodrigo
    Codecademy Learner @ UK
  • Brilliant learning experience. Very interactive. Literally a game changer if you're learning on your own.
    John-Andrew
    Codecademy Learner @ USA

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Join over 50 million learners and start Token Usage Optimization today!

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  • Practice Projects

    Guided projects that help you solidify the skills and concepts you're learning.
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  • Certificate of Completion

    Earn a document to prove you've completed a course or path that you can share with your network.