Language-Guided Tuning: Configuration Optimization for Automated ML Research

Abstract

Configuration optimization remains a critical bottleneck in machine learning, requiring coordinated tuning across model architecture, training strategy, feature engineering, and hyperparameters. Traditional approaches treat these dimensions independently and lack interpretability, while recent automated methods struggle with dynamic adaptability and semantic reasoning about optimization decisions. We introduce Language-Guided Tuning (LGT), a framework that employs multi-agent Large Language Models to automatically optimize configurations through natural language reasoning. We apply textual feedback signals that complement numerical optimization by providing semantic understanding of training dynamics and configuration interdependencies. LGT coordinates three specialized agents: an Advisor that proposes configuration changes, an Evaluator that assesses progress, and an Optimizer that refines the decision-making process, creating a self-improving feedback loop. Through comprehensive evaluation on seven diverse datasets, LGT demonstrates substantial improvements over traditional optimization methods while maintaining high interpretability.