Engineering

AI Coding Tooling Summary

Event-Driven Architecture Event-Driven Architecture (EDA) is a design approach that uses events to drive the flow of data and actions within a system. Events are used to represent changes in the system, and these events are used to trigger actions in other parts of the system. Commands and Events In systems designed with Domain-Driven Design, commands and events typically correspond to actions and outcomes within specific bounded contexts. Event driven architectures often use a combination of both commands and events, the decision of whent to use each is based on the use case and the requirements of the system. ...

AI guardrails are essential safeguards that prevent large language models (LLMs) from generating harmful or undesirable content. These guardrails can be broadly categorized into several types: Content Filtering: This is the first line of defense, working on both the input (prompt) and output (response) to block the generation of harmful material, such as hate speech, violence, or inappropriate content. Behavioral Constraints: These guardrails limit the AI system’s actions and capabilities, preventing it from accessing specific resources or performing unauthorized actions. Alignment Mechanisms: These are sophisticated techniques that ensure the AI’s goals align with human values and intentions, preventing it from pursuing unexpected or harmful objectives. Technical Safeguards: This category includes engineering-focused measures like output monitoring for real-time risk detection, rate limiting to prevent misuse, and sandboxing to isolate AI operations. Training-Based Guardrails: These safeguards are integrated directly into the AI during its development, using techniques like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) to minimize problematic patterns from the outset. Implementing Guardrails in the SDLC Building a safe and responsible AI system requires integrating guardrails throughout the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The biggest challenge with off-the-shelf developer tools like GitHub Copilot or GitLab Duo is that they primarily operate within the Code phase. This shifts the focus from controlling the AI model itself to validating and securing its output as it moves through your pipeline. ...