RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)

Technical Definition

RAG is an AI architecture combining LLMs with real-time information retrieval. Instead of relying solely on training data, RAG systems search external sources before generating responses. Powers Perplexity and ChatGPT with search. For SEO: RAG systems cite sources, making GEO optimization more impactful than pure LLM optimization.

Simple Explanation (ELI13)

RAG stands for Retrieval-Augmented Generation. It's when an AI looks up information before answering instead of just using what it memorized. Perplexity uses RAG, which is why it shows sources. RAG makes GEO more important because these systems actively search and cite websites.

Related Terms

Perplexity, AI Search, LLM, Web Search

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