Generation

Greedy decoding

Greedy decoding always picks the most probable next token.

Quick definition

Greedy decoding always picks the most probable next token.

  • Category: Generation
  • Focus: output style and randomness
  • Used in: Lower randomness for precise, repeatable answers.

What it means

It is fast and deterministic but can be less diverse. In generation workflows, greedy decoding often shapes output style and randomness.

How it works

Generation settings control how the model samples tokens. They trade off creativity, determinism, and safety.

Why it matters

Generation settings trade off creativity, determinism, and safety.

Common use cases

  • Lower randomness for precise, repeatable answers.
  • Higher randomness for brainstorming and creative tasks.
  • Stopping rules to end output at the right time.

Example

Use greedy decoding for strict formatting.

Pitfalls and tips

High randomness can reduce accuracy while low randomness can be repetitive. Tune per task and evaluate results.

In BoltAI

In BoltAI, this appears in model settings that shape responses.