# Inference & Serving

Valohai offers two distinct approaches for running inference, each designed for different use cases and latency requirements.

### Which path fits your needs?

#### Batch Inference via Executions

Run inference jobs on datasets using Valohai's standard execution system.

**Use this when:**

* You're processing large datasets or file batches
* Predictions can take minutes or hours
* You need to run scheduled or triggered inference jobs

**What you'll build:**

* Python inference scripts
* Standard Valohai executions with inputs and outputs
* Scheduled or API-triggered batch jobs

**Where to start:** [Run Batch Inference](/serving-your-models/deploy-batch.md)

***

#### Real-Time Endpoints

Deploy models as RESTful APIs on Kubernetes for low-latency predictions.

**Use this when:**

* You need predictions in milliseconds or seconds
* Your application requires synchronous responses
* You're building user-facing features or interactive systems

**What you'll build:**

* FastAPI or Flask inference servers
* Auto-scaling Kubernetes endpoints
* Version-controlled deployment aliases

**Where to start:** [Deploy a Real-Time Endpoint](/serving-your-models/real-time-endpoints.md)

***

### Key Differences

| Factor                | Real-Time Endpoints                | Batch Executions               |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Latency**           | Milliseconds to seconds            | Minutes to hours               |
| **Infrastructure**    | Kubernetes cluster (you configure) | Valohai-managed VMs            |
| **API**               | You build RESTful APIs             | Valohai REST API triggers jobs |
| **Scaling**           | Kubernetes auto-scaling            | VM-based execution queues      |
| **Code Requirements** | Web framework (FastAPI, Flask)     | Standard Python scripts        |

***

### Need Help Deciding?

**Ask yourself:** "Does my user need an answer right now?"

* **Yes** → Real-Time Endpoints
* **No** → Batch Executions

Still unsure? Check out our [video overview](https://www.loom.com/embed/488d391bb146463f91109743ad429ca6) or reach out to your Valohai representative.


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