next token prediction

Next token prediction is a fundamental concept in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, particularly in the development of large language models (LLMs). It involves training models to predict the next word or token in a sequence based on the preceding context. This technique enables models to generate coherent and contextually relevant text, making it essential for applications like chatbots, text completion, and language translation. However, traditional next token prediction methods face limitations, such as computational inefficiency and an inability to capture complex relationships in language, prompting researchers to explore alternative approaches like multi-token prediction for improved performance.