First interaction with GenAI APIs - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a GenAI API?

A GenAI API is a service that lets you send text or data to a smart computer model that can generate answers, stories, or other content automatically.

beginner

Why do we need an API key when using GenAI APIs?

An API key is like a password that lets you use the GenAI service safely and tracks your usage to prevent misuse.

beginner

What is the typical first step when calling a GenAI API?

The first step is to send a request with your input text or prompt to the API endpoint, including your API key for access.

beginner

What kind of response do you get from a GenAI API?

You get a response containing generated text or content based on your input, often in a structured format like JSON.

beginner

Name one common use case for GenAI APIs.

One common use case is generating creative writing, like stories or poems, based on a short prompt you provide.

What do you need to include in your request to a GenAI API to authenticate yourself?

A API key

B Username only

C Password only

D No authentication needed

You must include an API key to authenticate and access the GenAI API.

What format is the response from a GenAI API usually in?

A JSON

B Plain text only

C XML only

D Binary data

GenAI APIs typically return responses in JSON format for easy parsing.

Which of these is a typical first step when using a GenAI API?

A Train the model yourself

B Download the model to your computer

C Create a database

D Send a prompt to the API endpoint

You start by sending a prompt to the API endpoint to get generated content.

Why is it important to keep your API key secret?

A To reduce the size of the response

B To prevent others from using your quota

C To improve the model's accuracy

D To make your code run faster

Keeping your API key secret prevents unauthorized use of your account and quota.

Which of these is NOT a common use of GenAI APIs?

A Generating text content

B Creating images from text

C Running a web server

D Answering questions

Running a web server is not a function of GenAI APIs.

Describe the basic steps you take when making your first call to a GenAI API.

Think about what you need before and after sending your input.

Explain why authentication is important when using GenAI APIs.

Consider what could happen if anyone could use the API without restrictions.