April 28, 2026·4 min read
Fine-tuning vs. retrieval (RAG): how to actually decide
Fine-tuning teaches behavior; retrieval supplies facts. Most systems use both.
How to decide
Fine-tuning teaches a model *how* to behave; retrieval (RAG) gives it *what* to know. Need consistent style, format, or a specialized skill? Fine-tune. Need it grounded in your current facts and documents? Retrieve.
Most real systems use both
A retrieval layer for facts, light fine-tuning for behavior. The mistake is fine-tuning to inject knowledge that changes weekly — that's what retrieval is for.
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