Welcome to the JS Meetup #101. Yes, we crossed 100 in this community.
I invite you to the meetup which keeps pace with emerging technologies. We will have a mix of topics this meetup. More talks are getting finalized.
Talk 1: Mastering LLMs: Fine-Tuning, Prompt Engineering & Steerability
Speaker: Shreyas chandavarkar
Abstract: Large Language Models (LLMs) are powerful, but getting them to consistently follow complex instructions remains a challenge. Fine-tuning offers precision but is costly and rigid, while prompt engineering is flexible but unreliable. Neither approach fully solves the problem of steerability—an LLM’s ability to understand, adhere to, and interpret complex system prompts. This talk explores the trade-offs between fine-tuning and prompt engineering, helping attendees develop the thought process required for Generative AI Engineering. We will discuss techniques like system prompts, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and hybrid fine-tuning to improve instruction adherence. Additionally, we will cover strategies to reduce costs while maintaining performance, including quantization and model distillation. Attendees will gain practical insights into making LLMs more reliable, controllable, and cost-efficient, ensuring better AI-driven applications.
Key Takeaways: Fine-Tuning vs. Prompt Engineering: When to use which Steerability as a key metric for LLM development Techniques to improve LLM adherence to complex prompts Cost-efficient methods for optimizing AI models
Talk 2: Node.js’s Native Testing: A Beginner-Friendly Introduction
Speaker: Nabil Nalakath
Abstract: In this beginner-friendly talk, we’ll walk through how to set up and effectively use Node’s native test runner—without relying on external libraries like Jest or Mocha. We’ll explore test structuring, asynchronous patterns, and best practices for maximizing the benefits of this lesser-known feature. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear roadmap for integrating Node’s built-in test runner into your projects and simplifying your testing workflow.
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We have listened to your feedback. We are incorporating below:
a) We are putting a cap on RSVP, so no separate online form needs to be filled; which was confusing in previous meetups. If meetup.com shows RSVP=YES, then you are eligible to attend.
b) We will maintain start time and be punctual in future events.