README.md

SOFAI (Slow and Fast AI) Examples

This directory contains examples of the SOFAI sampling strategy - a two-tier approach using fast and slow models.

Files

sofai_graph_coloring.py

Complete example using SOFAI for constraint satisfaction problems (graph coloring).

Key Features:

• Two-tier model architecture (fast S1, slow S2)
• Iterative feedback loop with fast model
• Escalation to slow model when needed
• Custom validation with detailed feedback
• Consumer-grade hardware friendly

Concepts Demonstrated

• Two-Tier Architecture: Fast model for iteration, slow model for hard cases
• Escalation Strategy: When to switch from fast to slow model
• Feedback Loops: Providing validation feedback to guide generation
• Constraint Satisfaction: Solving CSP problems with LLMs
• Cost Optimization: Using expensive models only when necessary

SOFAI Architecture

User Request
    ↓
S1 (Fast Model) ←─────┐
    ↓                  │
Validation             │
    ↓                  │
Pass? ──No→ Feedback ──┘
    │
   Yes
    ↓
Success? ──No→ Escalate to S2 (Slow Model)
    │              ↓
   Yes         Validation
    ↓              ↓
  Result        Result

Basic Usage

from mellea import start_session
from mellea.backends.ollama import OllamaModelBackend
from mellea.stdlib.sampling import SOFAISamplingStrategy
from mellea.stdlib.requirements import req

# Create fast and slow backends
s1_backend = OllamaModelBackend(model_id="granite4.1:3b")
s2_backend = OllamaModelBackend(model_id="granite4:latest")

# Create SOFAI strategy
strategy = SOFAISamplingStrategy(
    s1_backend=s1_backend,
    s2_backend=s2_backend,
    s1_loop_budget=3,  # Try fast model 3 times
    escalate_on_failure=True
)

# Use with requirements
m = start_session()
result = m.instruct(
    "Solve the problem...",
    requirements=[req("Must satisfy constraint X")],
    strategy=strategy
)

Configuration Options

SOFAISamplingStrategy(
    s1_backend=fast_backend,      # Fast model for iteration
    s2_backend=slow_backend,       # Slow model for escalation
    s1_loop_budget=3,              # Max attempts with fast model
    escalate_on_failure=True,      # Use slow model if fast fails
    feedback_strategy="all_errors" # How to provide feedback
)

Feedback Strategies

• "simple": Basic pass/fail feedback
• "first_error": Feedback on first failing requirement
• "all_errors": Detailed feedback on all failures

Use Cases

• Constraint Satisfaction: Graph coloring, scheduling, planning
• Complex Reasoning: Multi-step problems requiring iteration
• Cost Optimization: Use expensive models only when needed
• Quality Assurance: Fast iteration with slow model fallback

Model Selection

Fast Models (S1)

• granite4.1:3b
• llama3.2:3b
• mistral:7b

Slow Models (S2)

• granite4:latest
• llama3:70b
• mixtral:8x7b

Performance Tips

1. Choose appropriate S1 budget: Balance speed vs. success rate
2. Use specific requirements: Clear constraints help both models
3. Provide good feedback: Detailed validation helps iteration
4. Profile your use case: Measure when escalation is needed

Related Documentation

• See mellea/stdlib/sampling/sofai.py for implementation
• See test/stdlib/sampling/test_sofai_*.py for more examples
• See mellea/stdlib/sampling/ for other sampling strategies