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When does fine-tuning beat few-shot prompting? How much data do you need, and how do you prevent regressions?

The data-volume thresholds, the break-even math, and the regression-prevention checklist that turn 'just fine-tune it' into a defensible engineering decision. Includes the crossover rule interviewers listen for.

Updated Aug 2026 · Grounded in real Forward Deployed Engineer interview loops and written to a senior-engineer editorial bar.

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When does fine-tuning beat few-shot prompting? How much data do you need, and how do you prevent regressions?

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