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AI & Machine Learning · Intermediate

Small Language Model (SLM)

A language model with relatively few parameters (typically under ~15B) designed for efficiency, edge or cost-sensitive use.

Definition

SLMs such as Phi, Gemma and small Llama or Nemotron variants trade some capability for lower latency, cost and hardware needs. They can run on-device and are often fine-tuned for narrow tasks or used as routers and classifiers.

Exam tip

Choose an SLM for low latency, on-device or tight budgets when the task is narrow.

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