Accessing the OpenAI API
Learn how to access OpenAI API.
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As of 2021, the market has already produced several proprietary AI models with more parameters than GPT-3. However, access to them is limited to a handful of people within the company’s R&D walls, making it impossible to evaluate their performance on real-world NLP tasks.
Another factor that makes GPT-3 accessible is its simple and intuitive text-in, text-out user interface. It doesn’t require complex gradient fine-tuning or updates, and we don’t need to be an expert to use it. This combination of scalable parameters and relatively open access makes GPT-3 the most exciting and arguably the most relevant language model to date.
GPT-3 OpenAI API
Due to GPT-3’s extraordinary capabilities, there are significant risks in terms of security and misuse associated with making it open-source, considering that OpenAI decided not to publicly release the source code of GPT-3 and came up with a unique, never seen before access sharing model via an API.
Limited access
The company initially decided to release API access in the form of a limited beta user list. There was an application process where people had to fill in a form detailing their background and the reasons for requesting API access. Only the approved users were granted access to a private beta of the API with an interface called Playground.
In its early days, the GPT-3 beta access waitlist comprised tens of thousands of people. OpenAI swiftly managed the applications pouring in and adding developers in batches. It also closely monitored their activity and feedback about the API user experience to improve it continuously.
Full access
OpenAI removed the waitlist in November 2021 thanks to the progress with safeguards. GPT-3 is now openly accessible via a simple
New users initially get a pool of free credits that allows them to freely experiment with the API. The number of credits is equivalent to creating text content as long as three average-length novels. After the free credits are used, users start paying for usage, or if they have a need, they can request additional credits from OpenAI API customer support.
Note: OpenAI strives to ensure that API-powered applications are built responsibly. For that reason, it provides
Content guidelines
The company has also created content guidelines to clarify what kind of content the OpenAI API can be used to generate. To help developers ensure their applications are used for their intended purposes, prevent potential misuse, and adhere to the content guidelines, OpenAI offers a free content filter. OpenAI policy prohibits using the API in ways that do not adhere to the principles described in its charter, including content that promotes hate, violence, or self-harm or that intends to harass, influence political processes, spread misinformation, spam content, and so on.
Once you have signed up for an OpenAI account, you can move on to using the OpenAI API; we will discuss the different components of the API, the GPT-3 Playground, and how to use the API to the best of its abilities for different use cases.