When RAG retrieves information, it doesn't rely on traditional keyword searches (like a Google search). Instead, it uses vector databases. These databases organize information based on meaning rather than exact words. Here's how it works:
- Every piece of information (like a paragraph or document) is converted into a mathematical "vector," representing its meaning.
- When you ask a question, your query is also turned into a vector.
- The database compares these vectors to find the closest matches, ensuring the AI retrieves the most relevant and contextually similar information.
Vector databases make RAG incredibly powerful because they can understand nuances. For example, if you ask about "cars powered by electricity," the database will recognize that this relates to "electric vehicles" even if the exact wording is different.