rag-zero-to-hero-guide vs rag-from-scratch
Two notebook-based guides to retrieval-augmented generation
Both projects teach retrieval-augmented generation through educational materials rather than offering a ready-to-deploy RAG application. rag-from-scratch centers on a step-by-step introduction to indexing, retrieval, and generation, while rag-zero-to-hero-guide covers a broader set of topics, examples, evaluation resources, and research links.

rag-zero-to-hero-guide: Learn Retrieval-Augmented Generation
A learning guide to retrieval-augmented generation, from core concepts to evaluation and advanced approaches. It combines explanations, Jupyter notebook implementations, tool references, and survey papers for learners building RAG knowledge.

rag-from-scratch: Learn Retrieval-Augmented Generation Step by Step
A Jupyter notebook series that teaches the building blocks of retrieval-augmented generation, from indexing and retrieval to generation. It is aimed at learners who want to understand RAG concepts through an educational progression rather than adopt a ready-made application.
| rag-zero-to-hero-guide | rag-from-scratch | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Jupyter Notebook | Jupyter Notebook |
| License | Apache-2.0 | — |
| Stars | 1.4k | 9.4k |
| Forks | 350 | 2.2k |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- rag-from-scratch focuses on core RAG stages, while rag-zero-to-hero-guide also covers evaluation, agentic and graph RAG, and related research.
- rag-from-scratch connects its notebooks to a video playlist; rag-zero-to-hero-guide offers a learning roadmap, toolkit directory, and survey-paper index.
- rag-zero-to-hero-guide includes examples using LangChain and CrewAI, as well as website and YouTube transcript content; rag-from-scratch emphasizes the building blocks of RAG.
- rag-zero-to-hero-guide lists an Apache-2.0 license; rag-from-scratch does not list a license in the provided project details.
- rag-from-scratch has 9.4k stars and 2.2k forks, compared with 1.4k stars and 350 forks for rag-zero-to-hero-guide.
Choose rag-zero-to-hero-guide if you…
- want a broader learning path from RAG fundamentals to evaluation and advanced approaches.
- need notebook examples involving websites, YouTube transcripts, or frameworks such as LangChain and CrewAI.
- want categorized tool references and links to RAG survey papers.
Choose rag-from-scratch if you…
- want a focused introduction to indexing, retrieval, and generation.
- prefer to pair notebook lessons with an accompanying video playlist.
- need a step-by-step resource for understanding RAG fundamentals before choosing an implementation.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.