Understanding the Inner Workings of Large Language Models

Giuliano Liguori
4 min readSep 7, 2024

Are you fascinated by the intricacies of large language models ( LLMs) like BERT and GPT? Have you ever wondered how these models can grasp human language with such remarkable accuracy? What processes transform them from basic neural networks into sophisticated tools capable of text prediction, sentiment analysis, and much more?

The secret lies in two essential stages: pre-training and fine-tuning. These phases not only enable language models to adapt to various tasks but also bring them closer to understanding language in a way that mirrors human cognition. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of pre-training and fine-tuning in LLMs, enhanced with real-world examples. Whether you’re a data scientist, machine learning engineer, or an AI enthusiast, delving into these concepts will provide you with a deeper understanding of how LLMs operate and how they can be applied to a wide range of customized tasks.

The Pre-training Phase in LLMs

Pre-training is the foundational phase where a model is trained on a vast corpus of text, often encompassing billions of words. This phase is crucial for teaching the model the structure of language, including grammar and basic world knowledge. Imagine this process as akin to teaching a child to speak English by exposing them to…

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Giuliano Liguori

Giuliano Liguori is a technologist, an influencer in the digital transformation and artificial intelligence space.