THE LESSON
Let's understand the essentials.
Text models process tokenized inputs and generate tokenized outputs. Tokens are pieces of text, not words. Different providers can count them differently, which matters when interpreting usage rankings.
A context window limits how much information a model can use in one request; a bigger advertised context does not automatically imply better recall. API billing may charge input, output, caching, and tool use differently.
Estimate how a long report affects your workload, then compare model provider pricing pages and check whether output length drives costs.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Why is 'most tokens processed' not equivalent to 'most people using a model'?
Explain your answer in your own words, then compare it with the main concepts above.
Suggested reference: Read the underlying documentation or source ↗. Educational content is reviewed as of 2026-11-05; model interfaces and availability may change.
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