Framework of four retrieval patterns for AI agents: (1) database filters for structured rows when the answer lives in a small subset, (2) SQL queries for totals, averages, rankings, and trends, (3) full-context stuffing when order and completeness matter and the document fits the context window, and (4) chunk-based vector search for needle-in-haystack semantic lookup. Chosen by asking what method a human would use on the same question. Counters the default-to-vectors habit.
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Source references
- [src-006] Nate Herk cluster — Nate Herk — RAG and data ingestion cluster (5 videos)
– Videos referenced: kOKavHnlPik