Alex Merced's Data, Dev and AI Blog

Topic

LLM

7 posts tagged “LLM”.

  1. 39 min read

    Fast Classification Models, LLMs, and the Apache Iceberg Lakehouse

    How fast classification models like Jev alongside open alternatives such as GLiClass compare with LLMs, and how to run both together inside an Apache Iceberg lakehouse.

  2. 31 min read

    Every AI Model Family That Matters in Mid-2026

    A full survey of the AI model landscape in mid-2026: frontier families, open-weight labs, local inference, specialists, and how to build a routing layer.

  3. 20 min read

    What AI Is and Isnt: A Laypersons Guide to How LLMs Actually Work

    AI is not magic or sentient. Learn what large language models actually do, how vectors and embeddings work, and why todays AI is pattern matching not thinking.

  4. 20 min read

    Getting Started with AI for Free: Every Tool Google Gives You at No Cost

    You already have access to powerful AI tools through your Google account and no subscription needed.

  5. 20 min read

    ChatGPT and Claude: Which AI Service Should You Pay For

    ChatGPT and Claude are the two leading AI assistants. Here is what each offers at every price tier, how to use their desktop apps and advanced features.

  6. 20 min read

    A Tour of Specialized AI Tools: Music, Video, Images, and More

    Beyond chatbots lie specialized AI tools for creating music, generating videos, and editing images.

  7. 20 min read

    Going Advanced: Open Source Models, Hermes Agent, and Local AI

    Tired of subscriptions and privacy concerns? Open source models and agent frameworks let you run AI on your own hardware.

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