tinker

Launch and manage LLM post-training runs with Tinker backend.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ar0cket1/hermes-research-agent --skill tinker-ar0cket1
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: tinker
Source: https://github.com/ar0cket1/hermes-research-agent/tree/main/skills/mlops/training/tinker
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ar0cket1/hermes-research-agent --skill tinker-ar0cket1

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Tinker coordinates and runs post-training workflows for LLMs, enabling CPU-side orchestration with remote GPU execution to streamline SFT, DPO, and PPO-style experiments.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Orchestrated post-training backends: manage lifecycle, checkpointing, and resumption across CPU and GPU resources.
  • Supports SFT, DPO, and PPO workflows with prompt/completion data, or prompts + token-level logs.
  • Real-world example: prepare and launch a long-running PPO-style fine-tuning job with periodic checkpoints and resumable runs.

Quick Start

Start a post-training run with tinker_posttrain(action='start_run', ...) and monitor progress using research_loop(action='monitor_run', ...).

Frequently Asked Questions about tinker

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I orchestrate LLM post-training workflows across CPU and GPU resources?

LLM post-training orchestration across CPU and GPU resources is managed by launching runs with tinker_posttrain and monitoring them via research_loop. This coordinates SFT, DPO, and PPO workflows using remote GPU execution for streamlined experiments.

Can I resume long-running PPO fine-tuning jobs from a checkpoint?

Yes, long-running PPO fine-tuning jobs can be resumed from periodic checkpoints. The backend lifecycle management handles checkpointing and resumption automatically, ensuring progress is saved during remote GPU execution and restored upon restart.

What data formats are supported for SFT and DPO training runs?

SFT and DPO training runs support prompt/completion data formats, while PPO workflows accept prompts alongside token-level logs. This standardized data format compatibility ensures proper lifecycle management across different post-training experiments.

Do I need a specific API key to manage post-training lifecycle and monitoring?

Yes, you need a TINKER_API_KEY to manage post-training lifecycle and monitoring. This key authenticates the CPU-side orchestration commands that launch remote GPU execution for SFT, DPO, and PPO workflows.

What is the best way to monitor an active fine-tuning run launched via CPU-side orchestration?

The best way to monitor an active fine-tuning run is by using the research_loop component with the monitor_run action. This tracks the progress of post-training workflows executing on remote GPUs and maintains standardized run hygiene.