I fine-tuned a model for free from one prompt, with TRL and the Google Colab CLI

In June 2026, Sergio Paniego experimented with a new feature from Google Colab, the Colab CLI, which allows users to fine-tune models without direct interaction with GPUs or writing training scripts. Using the Colab CLI, a coding agent was able to autonomously fine-tune a model by reading examples from the TRL repository, writing a training script, provisioning a GPU, installing dependencies, and managing the training process, including error handling. This process was executed on a free Colab T4, with the training metrics streamed live to a Hugging Face Space, showcasing the model's performance in real-time. The entire operation was cost-free and efficient, highlighting a new era of automation in model training where minimal user input is required, and adjustments can be made by simply altering the initial prompt. The fine-tuned model is stored on the Hugging Face Hub, ready for use, demonstrating the potential for easily adaptable and scalable AI model training using cloud-based tools.

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