Building search-based RAG with Datasette
A real prototype log follows full-text retrieval through implementation, model changes and missing evals.
Willison records a live build that turns a question into search keywords, queries SQLite through Datasette and uses retrieved posts to answer. The account includes the annotated implementation and a model switch after keyword instructions failed. It explicitly stops short of production readiness because evaluation is missing; the dated APIs and hosted services need rechecking before reuse.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Models
- any
- Category
- Build logs
- Tags
- build-log
- Source date
- 2024-06-21
- Added
- 2026-10-18
- Last verified
- 2026-10-18
- Status
- ok
- Prerequisites
- Following the annotated implementation requires SQL and JavaScript or TypeScript plus model API familiarity; no new retrieval research is assumed.
- Subcategory
- external builds
- Region
- West
- Original language
- en
- Access
- free
- Resource reuse
- closed: No general open-reuse grant established for this article. Free reading access does not grant redistribution rights. Facet definitions
Summary in our own words. Rights remain with the original creator. Credit and correction policy.