ladder

Compare local and frontier models side-by-side on fixture-driven tasks.

10|5|Updated Jun 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/understudylabs/understudy-agent-tools --skill ladder-understudylabs
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: ladder
Source: https://github.com/understudylabs/understudy-agent-tools/tree/main/skills/ladder
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/understudylabs/understudy-agent-tools --skill ladder-understudylabs

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Ladder provides a local-first, no-data demonstration that lets developers compare a small local model to a frontier model in a single UI, highlighting live reasoning, scoring, and tool-calling behavior.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Local-vs-frontier side-by-side comparison with live scoring; VS mode; onboarding demo; no data uploads; fixture-driven tasks; headless and interactive usage.
  • Use Case: Onboard new users by showing the concrete difference between local and frontier models on representative tasks and scoring results.

Quick Start

Start the ladder by running uv run --with mlx-vlm --with mlx-lm python skills/ladder/serve.py and open http://127.0.0.1:8011/ladder.climb.html.

Frequently Asked Questions about ladder

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I compare local models to frontier models side-by-side?

Compare local models to frontier models side-by-side by running a local-first ladder demo that renders live reasoning, tool-calling behavior, and streaming scores against fixture-driven tasks in a single UI.

What is the best way to onboard new users on local vs frontier model differences?

Onboard new users on local vs frontier model differences by demonstrating concrete performance gaps on classify tasks and hard tool-calling tasks with live scoring, without requiring any data uploads.

How do I test tool-calling tasks with a local model safely?

Test tool-calling tasks with a local model by running fixture-driven tasks that include anti-shotgun safeguards, rendering tool calls and reasoning in a frontend UI to evaluate behavior safely.

Do I need to upload my own data to compare local and frontier models?

No, you do not need to upload your own data to compare local and frontier models because the demo operates entirely on local-first, fixture-driven tasks for safe and immediate evaluation.

Can I use a gateway option for billed frontier model runs during comparison?

Yes, you can use a gateway option for billed frontier model runs during comparison, allowing you to evaluate frontier performance alongside a small local model in the same interface.