◈ AI GLOSSARY ◈

Open Weights

A model whose trained parameters are released publicly, so anyone can download, run, and modify it on their own hardware.

WHY IT MATTERS

Open-weight models give you privacy, control, and no per-use fee, at the cost of running the infrastructure yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use an open or closed model for my business?

Open-weight models give you privacy, control, and no per-use fee, but you have to run and maintain the infrastructure yourself. Closed proprietary models are easier and often more powerful, but you trade away some control and privacy for that convenience.

What does open weights actually mean?

It means the model's trained parameters are released publicly, so anyone can download, run, and modify it on their own hardware. You are getting the actual brain of the model, not just permission to chat with it online.

Can I run an open-weights model on my own computer?

Sometimes, depending on the model's size and your hardware. Larger models need serious machines, though techniques like quantization can shrink them enough to run on ordinary computers with a small quality trade-off.

New to all this? Start with what an AI agent really is, browse the full glossary, or explore the learning hub.

← Back to the glossary