OpenAI, a company that has been around since 2015, is known for exposing generative AI through simple REST API endpoints. Despite the recent attention given to the launch of their ChatGPT service, OpenAI has been providing exciting services to developers for quite some time.
Foundation Models
OpenAI has three foundation models that are trained with large datasets based on unsupervised learning: GPT, DALL-E, and Whisper. GPT is primarily used to deal with textual content while DALL-E can generate images based on natural language input. Lastly, Whisper is a model for converting speech to text and translating one language into another.
APIs
OpenAI has exposed multiple APIs that are aligned with certain use cases for developers to integrate generative AI into their applications. By obtaining an API key and using it to access the Open AI endpoints, developers can infuse the power of generative AI into their applications without needing to understand the complexities of neural networks or have access to powerful compute infrastructure based on high-end CPUs and GPUs.
Fine-tuning Models
Developers can fine-tune OpenAI’s foundation models with custom, private datasets to enhance the value of generative AI. OpenAI has exposed fine-tuning as an API that accepts the variation of a foundation model and a custom dataset.
Tools and Libraries
OpenAI has built tools, SDKs, and services that are primarily targeted toward developers and end-users. ChatGPT is an example of a service aimed at end-users, while the playground acts as an interactive interface to the REST API for developers. Additionally, OpenAI offers an official Python library that makes it easy to consume the API in environments such as Jupyter Notebook, and an official Node.js library for those interested in using JavaScript. Multiple libraries have been created for other languages such as C#, C++, Go, Kotlin, and Swift.
Conclusion
OpenAI has a lot to offer developers and knowledge workers beyond just their ChatGPT service. Their three foundation models, APIs, and tools and libraries all make it easy for developers to infuse generative AI into their applications. OpenAI has played a significant role in the generative AI research field and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
