LangChain is an open-source software development framework designed to facilitate the creation of applications that utilize large language models (LLMs). Launched in October 2022, it aims to enhance the capabilities of LLMs by allowing developers to combine them with various types of computations and knowledge sources, thereby expanding their functionality beyond isolated use ¹.

The framework is modular and user-friendly, making it accessible for both tech enthusiasts and developers. It provides components that serve as abstractions for working with LLMs, which can be utilized independently or as part of the broader framework. This flexibility allows developers to build a wide range of applications, from chatbots to document analysis, without needing to train LLMs from scratch ³⁴.

LangChain also includes features like prompt templates and chains, which help streamline the development process for LLM applications ². Overall, it represents a significant advancement in the field of AI and application development.