Taming the generative AI back end

Practical techniques for integrating LLM services into application backends without over-engineering. Covers response schemas (using JSON mime types and Zod), function calling patterns, prompt routing to avoid unnecessary API calls, and a four-level context management hierarchy ranging from simple state-driven strings to full vector RAG. Also discusses when to use MCP versus a tightly coupled internal capability layer, with examples drawn from both enterprise CRM/ERP scenarios and an open-source text RPG engine.