Unleash the Power of Assistant API - Call Your Own API with OpenAI

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Getting Started with Assistant API
3. Making a Call to External APIs
4. Initial Setup
5. Defining Function Name and Description
6. Defining Parameters for Function
7. Creating the Assistant
8. Creating a Thread
9. Defining User Message
10. Creating a Run
11. Handling Run Status
12. Associating Function Calls
13. Associating Output Results
14. Checking Run Status
15. Printing the Final Output
16. Conclusion

Introduction:

In this article, we will explore how to utilize the function calling feature of the Assistant API provided by OpenAI. We will specifically focus on how to make a call to external APIs or external functions that have been defined elsewhere. If You are not familiar with the Assistant API, I recommend watching the previous video that covers the basics of getting started and creating a basic retrieval system.

Getting Started with Assistant API:

To utilize the Assistant API, you first need to grab your OpenAI key and organization ID. Once you have these, you can Create a client object using the keys. There are three different ways to pass data: using the retrieval mechanism, calling functions, or using the code interpreter tool. In this video, we will focus on function calling. You will need to define the name, description, parameters, and required attributes for your function. Once the function is created, you can proceed to create your assistant.

Making a Call to External APIs:

To make a call to an external API, you need to define the model and tool in the assistant. Make sure to provide the proper syntax and correct function name. If you have multiple functions, you can define them using comma separation. After creating the assistant, you need to create a thread to handle the conversations between the user and the bot. Define the user message, including the thread ID, role, and question. Create a run by associating the thread ID and run ID. Check the run status and take appropriate actions if required. If external functions need to be invoked, you can use agents. Submit all the tool calls for required actions. Associate the function calls with the respective functions and construct the output list. Finally, print the final output, which will be the response from the function calls.

Initial Setup:

To begin, make sure you have your OpenAI key and organization ID. These keys will be used to create a client object that will be used throughout the process.

Defining Function Name and Description:

Before creating the assistant, you need to define the name and description for your function. The name should be descriptive and indicate the purpose of the function. The description can be a one-LINER or a few lines that explains the function's purpose.

Defining Parameters for Function:

Once the function name and description are defined, you need to specify the parameters for your function. In this example, We Are taking a country name and a year as parameters. Each parameter should have a respective Type and description.

Creating the Assistant:

After defining the function, you can proceed to create the assistant. The assistant will take instructions on its purpose, define the model, and include the tool. Make sure to provide the correct syntax and function name for the tool.

Creating a Thread:

To handle conversations between the user and the bot, you need to create a thread. This can be done using the create function of the Threads. Make sure to create the thread before creating the user message.

Defining User Message:

The user message is the question or input provided by the user. It should include the thread ID and role. In this example, we are assuming the user is asking how many people were homeless in a specific country in a particular year.

Creating a Run:

Once the user message is defined, you can create a run using the create function of the runs. Associate the thread ID and run ID to retrieve the information later.

Handling Run Status:

After creating the run, you need to check the status of the run. It can be completed, failed, or require action. In our case, since we have plugged in external functions, it will require action.

Associating Function Calls:

To invoke external functions, agents need to be used. In this example, we only have one function, so we associate it with the respective AI. Make sure to call your external function using the appropriate means, whether it's an SDK or a private function.

Associating Output Results:

Once the function calls return a response, you need to associate the output with the run. This step is critical as it ensures the correct response is returned to the user. Make sure to validate the tool ID and response accordingly.

Checking Run Status:

After associating the output results, you need to once again prepare the run and check the status. It is recommended to use a while loop for this step to continuously check the status until it is completed.

Printing the Final Output:

Once the run status is completed, you can print the final output to display the result to the user. This output is constructed Based on the messages exchanged between the user and the bot.

Conclusion:

In this video, we explored how to make a call to external APIs or external functions using the Assistant API provided by OpenAI. We covered the initial setup, defining function names and descriptions, creating the assistant, handling conversations, invoking functions, and printing the final output. The function calling feature allows for greater flexibility and the ability to incorporate external data or functionality into the AI interactions. Feel free to share your use cases and let us know if you have any questions or topics you would like to see in future videos.

Highlights:

• Utilizing the function calling feature of the Assistant API
• Making external API calls or calling external functions
• Defining function names, descriptions, and parameters
• Creating an assistant and defining the model and tool
• Creating a thread to handle conversations
• Associating user messages and creating runs
• Handling run status and submitting tool calls
• Associating function calls and retrieving outputs
• Checking run status and printing the final output

FAQ:

Q: What is the Assistant API? A: The Assistant API provided by OpenAI allows developers to integrate AI-driven conversational capabilities into their applications.

Q: Can I make calls to external APIs using the Assistant API? A: Yes, you can make calls to external APIs or external functions using the function calling feature of the Assistant API.

Q: How do I define the parameters for my function? A: Parameters for your function should be defined with the respective type and description. Ensure that your function requires the necessary parameters for proper execution.

Q: What is the importance of checking the run status? A: Checking the run status helps ensure that the function calls and external API invocations are completed successfully. It allows for proper handling of responses and user interaction.

Q: How can I make my user messages more dynamic? A: User messages can be customized based on user input or variables. You can generate user messages dynamically to provide personalized interactions.

Q: Can I invoke multiple functions within one run? A: Yes, you can invoke multiple functions within one run. Ensure that you associate the correct function calls with the respective functions to get the desired output.

Q: Can I use my own SDK to call external functions? A: Yes, you can use your own SDK or any other means to call external functions. The important part is to provide the correct function name and syntax within the Assistant API setup.

Q: What if the run status requires action? A: If the run status requires action, you need to have agents in place to handle the external function invocations. Submit all the tool calls to trigger the required actions.

Q: Can I retrieve the output from multiple function calls in one response? A: Yes, you can retrieve the output from multiple function calls and construct a response that includes all the information you need. Ensure that you associate the tool ID and response correctly.

Q: Can I customize the final output message format? A: Yes, you can customize the final output message format based on your requirements. You can provide templates or instructions to construct the message using the function call responses.