Chapter 5

Minimal Data Pipelines

Training sophisticated models with as few as 10 labeled examples.

The Challenge of Limited Data

Many real-world scenarios require training with severely limited labeled data. DSPy provides a comprehensive framework for building minimal data training pipelines that combine multiple optimization strategies.

Core principles: Data Efficiency, Strategy Diversity, Robust Validation, Confidence Awareness, and Adaptability.

Pipeline Architecture

class MinimalDataTrainingPipeline:
    def __init__(self, config):
        self.config = config  # num_examples, task_type, strategies

    def execute_pipeline(self, base_program, examples):
        # Stage 1: Data Analysis
        data_analysis = self._analyze_training_data(examples)
        
        # Stage 2: Strategic Data Augmentation
        augmented_data = self._augment_data(examples)
        
        # Stage 3: Multi-Strategy Optimization
        optimized = self._optimize(base_program, augmented_data)
        
        # Stage 4: Robust Validation
        validated = self._validate(optimized)
        
        return validated