Knobs
The system’s tuning knobs: explicit parameters instead of fixed behavior.
In one sentence
The system’s tuning knobs: temperature, iteration limits, verbosity, autonomy level, model used. Explicit parameterization instead of fixed behavior.
Before
Fixed behavior in code
What it does
Explicit, adjustable parameters
After
Tune without rewriting the agent
Example
Same operation, two settings. To generate the letter draft: higher temperature, expensive model, up to six iterations. To triage which report is incomplete: low temperature, cheaper model, two iterations maximum.
With this in an explicit configuration, instead of scattered through the code, you can cut cost in half without rewriting the agent.
In practice
- Name each parameter and take it out of the code. A scattered magic number is impossible to adjust safely.
- Note the default value and the reason for it. In three months, no one remembers why the cap is 6.
- A knob change triggers the suite, just like a prompt change.
How to make it tangible
A configuration file with named parameters, outside the code. No scattered magic numbers.
Connects with
Translated from Portuguese with AI assistance.