Why evaluation matters
LLM agents represent a new class of AI systems that combine language models with reasoning, decision-making, and tool-using capabilities. Unlike traditional software with predictable behaviors, these agents operate with greater autonomy and complexity, making thorough evaluation essential before deployment.
Consider the real-world consequences: unlike traditional software with deterministic behavior, LLM agents make complex, context-dependent decisions. If unevaluated before being implemented, an AI agent in customer support might provide misleading information that damages brand reputation, while a healthcare assistant could influence critical treatment decisions—highlighting why thorough evaluation is essential.
Before diving into specific evaluation techniques, it’s important to distinguish between two fundamentally different types of evaluation:
LLM model evaluation:
- Focuses on the raw capabilities of the base...
