Llama
Definition
Llama refers to a family of pretrained and fine-tuned language models for text, code, reasoning, and tool use released by Meta.
Llama is a family of large language models from Meta. The models are provided in different sizes and variants; their capabilities, context lengths, licenses, and security components depend on the respective generation and release.
Simply explained
Like a series of engines, Llama does not stand for a single model but for multiple versions with different performance and operational characteristics. Unlike an engine catalog, the family name alone does not specify concrete performance or license.
Why it matters in practice
The model family is relevant for companies that deploy language models in their own or controlled infrastructure and want to select variants based on quality, resource requirements, and licensing conditions.
Example from business
Hypothetical example: A company compares a smaller Llama variant locally with a larger hosted model for classification of internal requests.
Limits and pitfalls
- "Llama" alone is not a sufficient technical specification: model generation, parameter size, training status, quantization, and license must be specified. Open weights do not automatically mean open source nor verified security or suitability for a purpose.
Origin & history
The technical report on the Llama 3 family was published in 2024 and describes multilingual models designed for code, reasoning, and tool use. Later generations must not be silently equated with the properties documented there.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application in SMEs: Teams can evaluate a suitable Llama variant for internal assistance, classification, or text processing while weighing data protection, hardware requirements, and quality against each other.
Frequently asked questions
Is Llama a single model?
No, the name denotes a model family with different generations and sizes.
Are all Llama models equally powerful?
No, capabilities and resource requirements differ by variant and training status.
Can Llama be run locally?
Certain published variants can be run locally under the applicable license and hardware conditions.
Sources
- The Llama 3 Herd of Models · Dubey et al. (2024): The Llama 3 Herd of Models
Sources checked on 26.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no evidence of real customer results.
Editorially reviewed on: