Temperature

Temperature is a number (typically 0 to 1 or 0 to 2) that controls how random or deterministic a model's outputs are. Temperature 0 means the model always picks the most likely next word, producing consistent, predictable output. Higher temperatures increase randomness, producing more varied and creative (but sometimes less coherent) output.

Understanding temperature helps you get the right kind of output. For coding, factual questions, and structured data, use low temperature (0-0.3). For brainstorming, creative writing, and exploring ideas, use higher temperature (0.7-1.0). Many AI interfaces expose this setting, and knowing how to use it gives you more control over the output.

OpenAI API: Temperature parameter - https://platform.openai.com/docs/api-reference/chat/create

Anthropic: Model parameters - https://docs.anthropic.com/en/api/messages