Large Language Models (LLMs) are powerful tools in AI, but are limited by existing data sources, prompting the need for technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
RAG augments LLM response generation by incorporating external information sources to enhance the quality of generated responses.
Two main methods to integrate RAG are the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and function calling, with the latter being less popular but equally capable.
Function calling involves providing LLMs with lists of functions/tools when interacting via APIs, giving developers more control over invoking these tools.
While MCP is effective in certain scenarios, function calling offers more transparency and control over actions performed by the model.
Potential drawbacks of using MCP include opaqueness and overhead, while function calling allows for more controlled interactions.
Function calling example with the OpenAI API involves implementing a scheduling assistant that can book meetings by checking availability in real time.
The tutorial covers setting up the project, integrating the OpenAI API, defining functions like 'parse_date' to handle natural language input, and 'schedule_meeting' to book meetings based on extracted data.
The approach demonstrates the power of LLMs in understanding context from user messages and successfully scheduling meetings based on availability.
In conclusion, the tutorial emphasizes the benefits of function calling over MCP in certain use cases, offering a more efficient and controlled solution.