Fine-Tuning vs. Prompting vs. RAG: When to Use What

Fine Tuning vs. Prompting vs. RAG Teams waste months solving the wrong problem with the wrong tool. Prompting is for behavior. 'Always respond in this format.' RAG is for facts. 'Answer using our company's documentation.' Fine tuning is for style or specialized capability. 'Speak like our brand.' The failure mode is using fine tuning when you needed RAG, or vice versa. Diagnose before solving.