Lesson 4 of 8 · Build a RAG Pipeline from Scratch
In this lesson. Keyword plus vectors when names matter.
What you will learn
- k
- Filters
- Hybrid for names
Walkthrough
You will pick k, use metadata filters, and consider hybrid search for SKUs and names. Retrieval is a product. This lesson chooses the knobs.
Work through the ideas in order. After each point, pause and connect it to a task you already do — a document, a workflow, or a feature you own. The goal of Build a RAG Pipeline from Scratch is usable skill, not a pile of notes.
If something is unclear, rewrite it in your own words before you continue. Teaching the step back to yourself is the fastest way to see gaps.
Practice
Choose k and one filter for a sample question. Explain the hybrid case.
Keep the first attempt small. A finished example you can reuse beats a perfect plan you never run.
Check your understanding
- Can you explain the goal of this lesson in one sentence to a teammate?
- Where would you apply “k” in your own work this week?
- What would you change on a second pass of the practice?
Next. Continue to the following lesson when the practice has a real artifact, even a rough one.