Direct answer
A model-breeding package needs an ABI, not just a filename. In this site, the .slm package and adapter ABI define the minimum identity needed to decide whether a model can be loaded, whether an adapter can attach, whether a merge is valid, and whether an evaluation result belongs to the exact artifact being released.
Required package identity
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
model_magic and version | Prevents accidental parsing of the wrong binary format. |
model_type and architecture dimensions | Confirms the runtime knows how to execute the artifact. |
| tokenizer offset, length, and checksum | Ensures prompt/token interpretation matches the adapter and eval cases. |
| tensor directory offset and tensor count | Provides the index of named tensors and their storage layout. |
| tensor dtype and quantization block size | Chooses the correct matvec path and memory profile. |
| tensor-layout checksum | Makes adapter compatibility checkable. |
| model checksum | Anchors lineage, diagnostics, release packets, and rollback. |
Adapter-delta identity
The uploaded runtime uses three adapter-delta package families:
| Magic | Payload | Use case |
|---|---|---|
ADP1 | Dense f32 deltas | Small test adapters or full tensor experiments. |
ASP1 | Sparse f32 index/delta pairs | Compact changes where only a minority of weights move. |
ALR1 | Low-rank f32 factors | LoRA-like descendants and compact task overlays. |
Every adapter must match the loaded model identity. The compatibility check is an engineering expression of lineage integrity.
FUNCTION validate_adapter_against_model(adapter, model)
REQUIRE adapter.tensor_count == model.tensor_count
REQUIRE adapter.flags == model.flags
REQUIRE adapter.parameter_count == model.parameter_count
REQUIRE adapter.tensor_layout_checksum == model.tensor_layout_checksum
REQUIRE adapter.tokenizer_checksum == model.tokenizer_checksum
FOR each tensor_payload IN adapter.payloads
REQUIRE tensor_payload.tensor_identity == model.tensor_identity
REQUIRE tensor_payload.values_are_finite
REQUIRE tensor_payload.shape_matches_model_tensor
END FOR
RETURN OK
END FUNCTIONEval sidecar contract
A release packet should not say “better” without naming the evidence.
STRUCT EvalSidecar
model_digest
adapter_digest
source_kind
evaluator_id
eval_cases_digest
evaluation_scope
cases_passed
cases_failed
decision
generated_at_utc
END STRUCTThe sidecar does not replace human review. It gives review a stable target: this exact model, this exact adapter stack, this exact eval file, this exact runtime, and this exact result.
Why this belongs on the site
The ABI turns metaphor into build discipline. Parentage becomes hashes. Compatibility becomes checksums. Fitness becomes eval sidecars. Resource closure becomes diagnostics. Release becomes alias movement with rollback.
Source reports used for this guide
These reports are preserved verbatim in the site archive. The guide above is an editorial synthesis and may narrow, qualify, or reorganize claims from the source material.