What Is RAG in 2025? How Retrieval-Augmented Generation Powers Context Engineering

Description

What exactly is RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) and how does it differ from context engineering? In this short explainer, we break down what RAG really means in 2025 and why it’s one of many techniques used to help LLMs access the right information at the right time. From context stuffing to agentic search, we explore how developers use RAG to boost response accuracy, reduce hallucinations, and create smarter, more reliable AI systems. You’ll also see how context engineering goes beyond RAG orchestrating the entire lifecycle of information flow between agents, memory, and tools. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 Intro – Context Engineering vs RAG 0:06 What is RAG and how it works 0:16 Context stuffing explained 0:27 Agentic search in coding workflows 0:44 How RAG improves context retrieval for LLMs 0:56 Why RAG is just one part of Context Engineering 1:10 Challenges with context decay in AI systems Why this matters in 2025: RAG has become a foundation for modern AI apps from search copilots to code assistants. Understanding how it works helps developers build context-rich, reliable systems that move beyond basic prompt engineering. #RAG #RetrievalAugmentedGeneration #ContextEngineering #AIAgents #LLM #Qodo