The limit of what a model knows.
THE DEFINITION
The point in time up to which a model's training data was collected.
WHAT IT MEANS
Events after that are unknown.
Ask about them and the model either says it does not know, or generates something plausible and wrong.
WHAT IT AFFECTS
Current prices, versions and specifications Recent news Who currently holds a position Anything that changes
WHAT IS LESS AFFECTED
Established concepts Historical facts How things work Language and writing
HOW SYSTEMS ADDRESS IT
Search capability, retrieval from your documents, or you providing current information.
WHAT TO DO
Assume anything time-sensitive may be outdated Verify anything specific Use a tool with search for current questions
RELATED TERMS
Training, hallucination, search.
