What Is an LLM Token: Beginner-Friendly Guide for Developers

Large Language Models have transformed how machines understand and generate human language, powering everything from chatbots to content generators. Behind their impressive capabilities lies a fundamental concept that every developer should understand: tokens. These building blocks directly impact model performance and costs when working with LLMs. This guide explores what tokens are, how they function within LLMs, and why understanding tokenization is crucial for effective AI implementation.

Understanding Large Language Model Tokens

In AI…