# AI RAG And Agents

> Practical knowledge for building RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems and AI agents. Covers RAG architecture and retrieval algorithms (term-based, embedding-based, hybrid), retrieval optimization (chunking, reranking, query rewriting), multimodal RAG, agent design with tools and planning, agent failure modes, and memory systems. Use this skill when: - Building a RAG system from scratch or improving an existing one - Choosing retrieval algorithms (BM25, dense vectors, hybrid) - Optimizing retrieval (chunking strategy, reranker selection) - Designing an AI agent (tools, planning, error correction) - Debugging agent failures - Implementing memory for conversational systems

- Skill: `ebarti/ai-rag-and-agents` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 30 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add ebarti/ai-rag-and-agents`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/ebarti/ai-rag-and-agents/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: ebarti (https://skillmd.com/u/ebarti)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/ebarti/ai-rag-and-agents

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# AI RAG and Agents

Knowledge from "AI Engineering" by Chip Huyen (Chapter 6). Practical guidance for building retrieval-augmented and agentic systems.

## Quick Start

1. Check `guidelines.md` to find which files to load for your task
2. Load only relevant files (each topic has knowledge.md, rules.md, examples.md)
3. Apply guidance to your work

## Contents

### References

| Category | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| `rag-architecture` | RAG overview, architecture, when to use RAG |
| `retrieval-algorithms` | Term-based (BM25, TF-IDF), embedding-based, hybrid retrieval |
| `retrieval-optimization` | Chunking strategies, reranking, query rewriting, contextual retrieval, multimodal RAG, tabular RAG |
| `agent-overview` | Agent definition, tools (knowledge augmentation, capability extension, write actions) |
| `agent-planning` | Plan generation, reflection, error correction, tool selection |
| `agent-failures` | Planning failures, tool failures, efficiency issues, evaluation |
| `agent-memory` | Memory systems for agents and conversations |

### Workflows

| Task | Workflow |
|------|----------|
| Build a RAG system end-to-end | `workflows/build-rag.md` |
| Build an agent end-to-end | `workflows/build-agent.md` |
| Diagnose and fix agent failures | `workflows/debug-agent.md` |

## Guidelines

See `guidelines.md` for task-based file selection.