RAG & Retrieval
Why Retrieval Quality Is the Hidden Weak Link in RAG Systems
Poor retrieval quality undermines RAG systems. Learn how chunking, metadata, and stale documents sabotage AI accuracy in production.
Blog
Thoughts on AI engineering, backend, frontend, and building modern software.
Embeddings & Vector Search
Chunk Boundaries and Retrieval Quality: Hidden Pitfalls in Embedding Search
Discover how chunk boundaries and metadata filters can silently degrade embedding search results in production systems. Learn practical strategies to avoid these pitfalls.
Software Architecture
Decoupling AI Logic: When to Isolate Model Calls Behind Internal APIs
Decide where AI logic belongs in your architecture—frontend, backend, or platform layer—with practical examples and tradeoffs for maintainability, observability, and future-proofing.
Security
Scoped API Keys for AI Features: Preventing Unauthorized Access in Production
Scoped API keys are a critical security boundary for AI features. Learn how to implement them to prevent unauthorized access and ensure safe deployment in production systems.
Prompt Engineering
Structuring AI Outputs: How Prompt Contracts Prevent Ambiguity in Production Systems
Structured outputs as an API contract between code and models. Learn how to design reliable, predictable AI systems with clear boundaries, testable edge cases, and role separation.
MLOps
Cost Spikes from Quiet Prompt Changes: Monitoring LLM Features in Production
After deploying an LLM feature, monitoring for cost spikes from subtle prompt changes is critical. Learn how to detect and mitigate these risks in production systems.
LLMs
Structured Outputs as an API Contract: Building Predictable AI Systems
Structured outputs ensure reliable AI behavior in production. Learn how schemas, validation, and retries create predictable model behavior without relying on clever prompts.
Data Engineering
How Stale Data Sabotages AI Systems: A Data Engineering Deep Dive
Stale data silently breaks AI systems. Learn how to detect and prevent it in production data pipelines.
Backend Engineering
Timeouts, Retries, and Idempotency: Designing Stable AI Endpoints
AI models are unreliable. Here's how to build API boundaries that prevent cascading failures, ensure consistency, and keep your system stable under pressure.
AI Agents
Securing AI Agent Tool Access: Avoiding Production Pitfalls
Learn how to secure AI agent tool access, prevent unauthorized actions, and build robust production systems with clear permissions and observability.