Models

Encoder-decoder

Encoder-decoder models use separate networks for input and output.

Quick definition

Encoder-decoder models use separate networks for input and output.

  • Category: Models
  • Focus: model capability and fit
  • Used in: Choosing a model that fits latency and cost constraints.

What it means

The encoder builds a representation, the decoder generates text. In models workflows, encoder-decoder often shapes model capability and fit.

How it works

Model architecture and scale determine capability. Context length, parameter count, and modality support vary across models.

Why it matters

Model architecture affects capability, context length, and speed.

Common use cases

  • Choosing a model that fits latency and cost constraints.
  • Selecting longer context for document-heavy workflows.
  • Using specialized models for code, vision, or speech.

Example

Translation systems often use encoder-decoder.

Pitfalls and tips

Bigger is not always better. Match the model to the task and evaluate in production.

In BoltAI

In BoltAI, this shows up in model selection and configuration.