OpenAI API and Libraries

Programmatic access to OpenAI’s models enables seamless integration of GPT-powered features into your applications. In this guide, we’ll cover how to install and use the official OpenAI SDKs for Python and Node.js, leverage the OpenAI CLI for quick API operations, and explore community-maintained libraries.

Official SDKs

For the latest SDKs, visit the OpenAI documentation under “Libraries”. Below is a quick overview:

Python SDK

Installation

pip install openai

This single package provides both:

• The Python client library (import openai)
• The openai CLI tool for tasks like generating completions or fine-tuning models

Quickstart Example

import os
import openai


# Load your API key securely
openai.api_key = os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY")


# Request a chat completion
response = openai.ChatCompletion.create(
  model="gpt-3.5-turbo",
  messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello, world!"}]
)


print(response.choices[0].message.content)

Using the CLI

openai api chat_completions.create \
  -m gpt-3.5-turbo \
  -g user "Hello, world!"

Node.js SDK

Installation

npm install openai

Basic Usage (JavaScript)

import OpenAI from "openai";


const openai = new OpenAI({
  apiKey: process.env.OPENAI_API_KEY
});


async function chat() {
  const response = await openai.chat.completions.create({
    model: "gpt-3.5-turbo",
    messages: [{ role: "user", content: "Hello, world!" }]
  });
  console.log(response.choices[0].message.content);
}


chat();

For TypeScript examples and advanced configurations, see the Node.js SDK Guide.

Community Libraries

OpenAI’s documentation also links to community-maintained libraries across various languages. Use these with caution, as they are not officially supported:

Next Steps

Now that you have the SDKs installed and the CLI at your fingertips, you’re ready to configure your development environment and build your first Python application that calls the OpenAI API.

Links and References

• OpenAI SDKs
• OpenAI API Reference
• Managing API Keys