From Cascade Architecture to Generative Paradigm
English | 中文
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This book systematically covers the full technical evolution of recommendation systems, from classical cascade architectures to the generative paradigm. It is organized into two parts: the first covers candidate retrieval techniques including collaborative filtering, embedding-based retrieval, and sequential retrieval, along with ranking and re-ranking methods such as feature crossing, multi-objective modeling, and multi-scenario modeling; the second focuses on frontier generative recommendation, encompassing LLM foundations, Scaling Law architecture exploration, end-to-end generative modeling, chain-of-thought reasoning, and diffusion-based recommendation, culminating in a hands-on production-grade system project. Ideal for readers with a machine learning background who want to systematically master both the theory and engineering practice of recommendation algorithms.
Part I: Cascade Architecture
Part II: Generative Paradigm
We also establish a FunRec learning community (WeChat group + knowledge planet), where the WeChat group is convenient for daily communication and discussion, and the knowledge planet is convenient for content retention. Some early recorded videos related to technology are also on Bilibili All technical sharing content is on Bilibili. Since the WeChat group's QR code is only valid for 7 days, just add the following WeChat Code, with remark: Fun-Rec, you will be added into a Fun-Rec discussion group. If you think the WeChat group is too noisy, it is recommended to add the knowledge planet directly!

Core Contributors
Ruyi Luo
MSc, Xidian University
Senior Recommendation Algorithm Engineer
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Bo Kang
Visiting Professor, Ghent University
Co-founder of nobl.ai
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Special thanks to kenken-xr、swallown1、Lyons-T、zhongqiangwu960812、@wangych6、@morningsky、@hilbert-yaa、@maxxbaba、@pearfl、@ChungKingExpress、@storyandwine、@SYC1123、@luzixiao、@Evan-wyl、@Sm1les、@LSGOMYP for their early help and support to this project.
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Datawhale, a learning community focused on the field of AI. Our mission is for the learner, and grow together with learners. Currently, there are thousands of people have joined the learning community, and we have organized learning in various fields such as machine learning, deep learning, data analysis, data mining, web crawling, programming, statistics, MySQL, and data competitions. You can join us by searching for the Datawhale Official Account on WeChat.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
$ claude mcp add fun-rec \
-- python -m otcore.mcp_server <graph>