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Understanding Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Architecture

Yohan Malshika
4 min readFeb 19, 2025

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Photo by Saradasish Pradhan on Unsplash

In recent years, generative AI models have significantly progressed in text generation. However, they often suffer from limitations such as hallucinations and outdated knowledge. Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is an advanced AI architecture that enhances text generation by integrating real-time retrieval mechanisms. This article explores the RAG architecture, its components, advantages, and real-world applications.

What is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)?

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is an AI architecture that combines two key processes: retrieval and generation. Unlike traditional large language models (LLMs) that rely solely on pre-trained knowledge, RAG dynamically retrieves relevant external data before generating a response. This ensures more accurate, contextually relevant, and up-to-date answers.

Example: Before and After RAG

Before RAG:

User: “What are the latest advancements in quantum computing?”

Traditional LLM Response: “Quantum computing is advancing in areas such as qubit stability, quantum supremacy, and practical applications. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance quantum coherence and error correction.”

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Yohan Malshika
Yohan Malshika

Written by Yohan Malshika

Software Engineer | .Net Developer | Technical Writer

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