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ModelsBeginner2018

Context Window

Context Window

A context window is the amount of information an AI model can consider at one time.

Explained simply

A context window is the amount of information an AI model can consider at one time.

1Prompt + files
→
2Context window
→
3Model considers
→
4Answer

At a glance

Category
Models
Difficulty
Beginner
Introduced
2018

Real example

An AI with a larger context window can review a longer contract in one conversation.

Why it matters

It explains why an AI may forget earlier details or struggle with very long documents.

Timeline

Origins

The ideas behind Context Window begin developing.

2018

Context Window becomes a recognised term or technique.

Wider use

Research and practical applications increase.

Modern AI

Context Window becomes connected to newer AI systems and products.

Today

Context Window remains relevant in the models area of AI.

Dates for broad concepts may describe the period when the idea emerged or became widely used, rather than one exact invention date.

Learn next

Continue with these connected terms:

TokenA token is a small piece of text that an AI model reads or writes. It may be a word, part of a word or punctuation.→PromptA prompt is the question, instruction or information you give an AI.→RAGRAG lets an AI search trusted information before it writes an answer. RAG stands for Retrieval-Augmented Generation.→

Simple infographic

A quick visual way to understand Context Window.

1Prompt + files
→
2Context window
→
3Model considers
→
4Answer
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