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AI Providers

Model Selection & Token Modes

Choose the right model for the job, switch it in-session, and control cost with token modes.

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Start With The Provider Default

For most users, the best first step is simple:

  1. choose a provider
  2. keep its default model
  3. work with it for a while
  4. only then optimize for price, speed, or reasoning depth

Current provider defaults are:

  • OpenRouter: openai/gpt-oss-120b:free
  • OpenAI: gpt-4o
  • Anthropic: claude-sonnet-4-20250514

Change The Model In The TUI

Use:

text
/model

This opens the interactive selector for provider and model choice during a live session.

Set A Default Model In Config

yaml
ai:
  provider: openai
  model: gpt-4o

If you omit model, YeePilot uses the provider default.

Override A Model For One Run

bash
yeepilot exec --provider openai --model gpt-4o "summarize changed files"

This is ideal when you want a stronger or cheaper model for one task without changing your day-to-day default.

Token Modes

YeePilot supports two main token-use styles:

  • normal
  • saver

Switch during a session:

text
/tokenmode normal
/tokenmode saver

Set it in config:

yaml
ai:
  token_mode: saver

What normal is for

  • richer context retention
  • fuller answers
  • the best default for everyday use

What saver is for

  • long sessions
  • cost-sensitive work
  • smaller, tighter answers
  • reducing context pressure

These settings also influence how a model behaves in real usage:

yaml
ai:
  max_tokens: 4096
  conversation_max_history: 10
  output_truncate_length: 500
  max_response_length: 102400

Use lower values when cost matters. Use higher values when you need deeper answers or more room for long outputs.

Practical Recommendations

  • use the provider default first
  • switch to saver before switching providers just to reduce cost
  • use stronger models for repo review, troubleshooting, or migration planning
  • use cheaper models for routine checks and repetitive tasks