Previous chapters detailed algorithms for aligning large language models and evaluating their safety characteristics. This chapter shifts focus to the practical engineering aspects of constructing and operating LLM applications with safety as a primary consideration. We move from model-specific techniques to system-level design and operational practices.

You will learn to:

• Design system architectures incorporating multiple safety layers.
• Implement input and output guardrails to manage interactions.
• Integrate content moderation tools effectively.
• Apply strategies for managing conversation context to mitigate safety risks.
• Understand best practices for safe deployment, monitoring, and incident response.
• Appreciate the need for clear documentation and transparency regarding safety measures.

This chapter provides concrete methods for building deployable LLM systems that prioritize safety throughout their lifecycle. We will examine how individual components like guardrails and monitoring contribute to the overall dependability of the application.