Fine-tuning

Plain-English explanation

Fine-tuning can improve format, style, or domain behavior, but retrieval is better when answers require fresh or private facts.

Why it matters

Fine-tuning matters because it affects how AI systems are designed, evaluated, priced, or trusted. Knowing the term helps you ask better questions and avoid vague implementation decisions.

• Ask how it changes quality, cost, speed, or safety.
• Look for concrete examples in the workflow you are building.
• Document the tradeoff before choosing a tool or architecture.