LiteLLM Complete Tutorial 2026

What is LiteLLM?

LiteLLM is a powerful LLM proxy that enables you to use one API for 100+ LLM providers. It has become one of the most popular tools in the AI developer toolkit in 2026.

Why Use LiteLLM?

Productivity: Dramatically reduces time spent on api tasks

Integration: Connects seamlessly with major AI providers

Reliability: Production-tested by thousands of teams

Community: Large ecosystem of plugins and examples

Getting Started

Installation

bash
npm/yarn (Node.js projects)
npm install litellm
pip (Python projects)  
pip install litellm
Or use the hosted version at litellm.com

Configuration

yaml
config.yml
name: my-litellm-app
version: 1.0.0
integrations:
  openai:
    api_key: 1897628437146480647
  anthropic:
    api_key: undefined
settings:
  timeout: 30
  retry_attempts: 3
  log_level: info

Core Concepts

Basic Workflow

python
Python example
from litellm import Client, Workflow
Initialize
client = Client(api_key="your-key")
Create a workflow
workflow = Workflow()
workflow.add_step("input", type="user_message")
workflow.add_step("ai_process", model="gpt-4o-mini", type="llm_call")
workflow.add_step("output", type="response")
Execute
result = client.run(workflow, input="Your prompt here")
print(result.output)

JavaScript/TypeScript Example

typescript
import { LiteLLMClient } from 'litellm';
const client = new LiteLLMClient({
  apiKey: process.env.LITELLM_API_KEY,
});
async function main() {
  const result = await client.run({
    workflow: 'my-workflow',
    input: { message: 'Hello, AI!' }
  });
  
  console.log(result.output);
}
main();

Real-World Use Cases

Use Case 1: use one API for 100+ LLM providers

python
Complete example: use one API for 100+ LLM providers
import os
from openai import OpenAI
openai_client = OpenAI()
def create_api_pipeline(input_data: dict) -> dict:
    """
    Pipeline for use one API for 100+ LLM providers using LiteLLM.
    """
    # Step 1: Process input
    processed = preprocess(input_data)
    
    # Step 2: AI analysis
    response = openai_client.chat.completions.create(
        model="gpt-4o-mini",
        messages=[
            {
                "role": "system",
                "content": f"You are an expert in {t.category}. Help with use one API for 100+ LLM providers."
            },
            {
                "role": "user",
                "content": str(processed)
            }
        ]
    )
    
    # Step 3: Post-process
    result = {
        "input": input_data,
        "analysis": response.choices[0].message.content,
        "timestamp": datetime.now().isoformat()
    }
    
    return result
Run it
result = create_api_pipeline({
    "topic": "use one API for 100+ LLM providers",
    "context": "Building modern AI applications"
})
print(result["analysis"])

Use Case 2: Integration with Other Tools

python
Integrate LiteLLM with your existing stack
import httpx
import json
class LiteLLMIntegration:
    def __init__(self, api_key: str):
        self.client = httpx.AsyncClient(
            base_url="https://api.litellm.com",
            headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {api_key}"}
        )
    
    async def process(self, data: dict) -> dict:
        response = await self.client.post("/process", json=data)
        response.raise_for_status()
        return response.json()
    
    async def batch_process(self, items: list) -> list:
        import asyncio
        tasks = [self.process(item) for item in items]
        return await asyncio.gather(*tasks)
Usage
import asyncio
async def main():
    integration = LiteLLMIntegration(
        api_key=os.environ["LITELLM_KEY"]
    )
    
    results = await integration.batch_process([
        {"input": "Item 1"},
        {"input": "Item 2"},
        {"input": "Item 3"},
    ])
    
    for r in results:
        print(r)
asyncio.run(main())

Advanced Features

Monitoring and Logging

python
import logging
from functools import wraps
import time
logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
logger = logging.getLogger("litellm")
def with_logging(func):
    @wraps(func)
    async def wrapper(*args, **kwargs):
        start = time.time()
        logger.info(f"Starting {func.__name__}")
        
        try:
            result = await func(*args, **kwargs)
            duration = time.time() - start
            logger.info(f"Completed {func.__name__} in {duration:.2f}s")
            return result
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error in {func.__name__}: {e}")
            raise
    
    return wrapper
@with_logging
async def my_workflow(data: dict):
    # Your LiteLLM workflow here
    pass

Error Handling

python
from tenacity import retry, stop_after_attempt, wait_exponential
@retry(
    stop=stop_after_attempt(3),
    wait=wait_exponential(multiplier=1, min=4, max=10)
)
def reliable_api_call(data: dict) -> dict:
    """Retry on failure with exponential backoff."""
    try:
        return process(data)
    except RateLimitError:
        logger.warning("Rate limit hit, retrying...")
        raise
    except APIError as e:
        if e.status_code >= 500:
            raise  # Retry on server errors
        raise  # Don't retry on client errors

Pricing and Plans

PlanPriceFeatures

Free$0Limited usage, community support Pro$20-50/monthFull features, priority support EnterpriseCustomSLA, custom integrations, SSO

Comparison with Alternatives

ToolLiteLLMAlternative 1Alternative 2

Ease of use⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Features⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cost⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Community⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Conclusion

LiteLLM is an excellent LLM proxy that makes it easy to use one API for 100+ LLM providers. Its combination of power and usability makes it a top choice for AI developers in 2026.

Whether you're building your first AI application or scaling an enterprise system, LiteLLM provides the tools you need to succeed.

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*Tutorial for LiteLLM latest version | May 2026*