Streamlining LLM Deployment with Ray: Transitioning from ray-llm to ray.serve.llm and ray.data.llm

Jul 31, 2025

Introduction to Ray LLM

The ray-llm repository has been archived, marking a significant transition in the deployment of large language models (LLMs) within the Ray ecosystem. The new APIs, ray.serve.llm and ray.data.llm, are designed to enhance the deployment process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

Project Purpose and Main Features

The primary goal of the ray-llm repository was to provide a framework for deploying LLMs on the Ray platform. Although this repository is no longer maintained, its legacy continues through the new APIs that offer:

  • Seamless Integration: Direct integration with Ray’s core functionalities.
  • Enhanced Performance: Optimized for better resource management and scalability.
  • User-Friendly APIs: Simplified interfaces for deploying and managing LLMs.

Technical Architecture and Implementation

The architecture of the new APIs is built upon the foundational elements of Ray, ensuring that users can leverage the full power of distributed computing. The transition from ray-llm to the new APIs involves:

  • Modular Design: Each component is designed to be modular, allowing for easy updates and maintenance.
  • Scalability: The APIs are built to scale with the needs of the application, handling multiple requests efficiently.
  • Community-Driven Development: The Ray team actively manages and updates the APIs based on community feedback.

Setup and Installation Process

To get started with the new ray.serve.llm and ray.data.llm APIs, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have Ray installed. You can install it using pip:
  2. pip install ray
  3. Install the necessary dependencies for LLM support:
  4. pip install ray[serve]
  5. Refer to the official documentation for detailed setup instructions.

Usage Examples and API Overview

Once you have the APIs set up, you can start deploying LLMs with ease. Here’s a simple example of how to use ray.serve.llm:

from ray import serve

serve.start()

@serve.deployment
def my_llm(request):
    return "Hello from LLM!"

my_llm.deploy()

This code snippet demonstrates how to create a simple LLM endpoint using Ray Serve. For more complex use cases, refer to the official documentation.

Community and Contribution Aspects

The Ray community plays a crucial role in the development and enhancement of the new APIs. Users are encouraged to:

  • Contribute: Submit issues and pull requests on the Ray GitHub repository.
  • Engage: Participate in discussions and share feedback on the Ray forums.
  • Learn: Access a wealth of resources, including tutorials and documentation, to get the most out of Ray.

Conclusion

The transition from ray-llm to the new ray.serve.llm and ray.data.llm APIs marks a significant advancement in the deployment of large language models. With improved performance, user-friendly interfaces, and strong community support, these APIs are set to redefine how developers work with LLMs on the Ray platform.

For more information, visit the official GitHub repository.

FAQ Section

What is ray-llm?

Ray-llm was a repository designed for deploying large language models on the Ray platform, now archived.

What are the new APIs?

The new APIs, ray.serve.llm and ray.data.llm, simplify the deployment of LLMs and are integrated into the Ray ecosystem.

How can I contribute to Ray?

You can contribute by submitting issues or pull requests on the Ray GitHub repository and engaging with the community.