SFT Transformation Demo

See how Supervised Fine-Tuning transforms raw text predictors into helpful assistants

🔄 The Great Transformation

Same model, same training method (next-token prediction), but different data creates dramatically different behavior.

❌ Pre-trained Model
Problems: Unhelpful, inconsistent, may generate harmful content
SFT
Training
✅ SFT Model
Improvements: Helpful, consistent, follows instructions, safe

📚 What SFT Data Looks Like

SFT uses carefully curated examples of instructions followed by high-quality responses:

Human: Explain photosynthesis in simple terms
Assistant: Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food using sunlight. Plants take in sunlight through their leaves, absorb water through their roots, and breathe in carbon dioxide from the air. They combine these three ingredients to create sugar (their food) and release oxygen as a bonus. It's like plants are solar-powered food factories that also clean our air!
Human: Write a Python function to find the largest number in a list
Assistant: Here's a Python function to find the largest number in a list: ```python def find_largest(numbers): """Find and return the largest number in a list""" if not numbers: # Handle empty list return None return max(numbers) # Example usage: my_list = [3, 7, 2, 9, 1] largest = find_largest(my_list) print(f"The largest number is: {largest}") ```
Human: I'm feeling stressed about work. Any advice?
Assistant: I understand work stress can be overwhelming. Here are some strategies that might help: 1. **Take breaks**: Even 5-10 minute breaks can help reset your mind 2. **Prioritize tasks**: Focus on what's most important first 3. **Talk to someone**: Share your concerns with a trusted friend or colleague 4. **Practice deep breathing**: It can quickly reduce stress in the moment 5. **Set boundaries**: It's okay to say no to additional tasks when you're overwhelmed Remember, it's normal to feel stressed sometimes. If it persists, consider speaking with a counselor or your HR department.

⚖️ Key Differences

Before SFT (Pre-trained)
  • Mimics training data: Continues text in any style
  • No consistent persona: Can be anyone or anything
  • No instruction following: Doesn't understand requests
  • Unpredictable: May generate inappropriate content
  • No helpfulness: Focused on statistical completion
After SFT (Fine-tuned)
  • Helpful assistant: Focused on being useful
  • Consistent persona: Reliable AI assistant character
  • Instruction following: Understands and follows requests
  • Safe and appropriate: Avoids harmful content
  • User-focused: Tries to genuinely help users

The Magic of SFT