Vector Search Without the Hype

Use vector search when semantics matter and exact matches are rare. Prefer BM25 or hybrids when precision and keyword intent dominate. Latency budgets change the calculus: small, hot indexes can outpace vector stores. Start hybrid, measure, and simplify if one signal wins.
Operationally, watch for drift when embeddings update. Keep migration plans for re-embedding corpora and stable IDs for documents. Vector search is a tool, not a religion.