DEV Community

Cover image for Create LLM Powered Apps Using Langchain and OpenAI API
S.HARIHARA SUDHAN
S.HARIHARA SUDHAN

Posted on

Create LLM Powered Apps Using Langchain and OpenAI API

Creating a Language Learning Model (LLM) using LangChain and OpenAI API

With the rise of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, creating your own language learning models (LLMs) has become increasingly accessible. LangChain and the OpenAI API are powerful tools that can simplify this process. In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps to create an LLM using these tools.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Prerequisites
  3. Setting Up the Environment
  4. Understanding LangChain
  5. Using OpenAI API with LangChain
  6. Building Your First LLM
  7. Testing and Refining Your Model
  8. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Language learning models are transforming the way we interact with technology, enabling applications like chatbots, translators, and content generators. LangChain provides a framework to streamline the creation of these models, while the OpenAI API offers robust NLP capabilities. Combining these tools, you can build sophisticated LLMs efficiently.

2. Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have the following:

  • Basic understanding of Python programming
  • An OpenAI API key (you can get one by signing up on the OpenAI website)
  • Installed Python and pip

3. Setting Up the Environment

First, create a new directory for your project and set up a virtual environment:

mkdir langchain_llm
cd langchain_llm
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate   # On Windows use `venv\Scripts\activate`
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Install the necessary packages:

pip install openai langchain
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

4. Understanding LangChain

LangChain is a framework designed to help developers build applications that use large language models. It provides tools to streamline various tasks, from data preprocessing to integrating with different NLP models.

5. Using OpenAI API with LangChain

To use the OpenAI API, you need to set up authentication. Create a file named config.py and add your OpenAI API key:

# config.py
OPENAI_API_KEY = 'your-api-key-here'
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

6. Building Your First LLM

Create a new Python file named main.py. This will be the main script where we build and test our LLM.

a. Import Libraries

First, import the necessary libraries:

# main.py
import openai
from langchain import Chain
from config import OPENAI_API_KEY

openai.api_key = OPENAI_API_KEY
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

b. Define the Language Model

Next, define the function that uses the OpenAI API to generate text:

def generate_text(prompt, model="text-davinci-003", max_tokens=100):
    response = openai.Completion.create(
        engine=model,
        prompt=prompt,
        max_tokens=max_tokens
    )
    return response.choices[0].text.strip()
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

c. Create a Simple Chain

LangChain allows you to create chains of operations. For a basic LLM, we can create a simple chain that takes user input, processes it using the OpenAI API, and outputs the result:

class SimpleLLMChain(Chain):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()

    def _call(self, inputs):
        prompt = inputs["prompt"]
        output = generate_text(prompt)
        return {"output": output}

chain = SimpleLLMChain()
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

d. Test the Model

Add a function to test your model:

def main():
    user_input = input("Enter your prompt: ")
    result = chain({"prompt": user_input})
    print("Generated Text:", result["output"])

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Run the script to test your LLM:

python main.py
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

7. Testing and Refining Your Model

Testing is crucial to ensure your model performs well. Here are a few tips:

  • Evaluate Output: Continuously test with different prompts to evaluate the output.
  • Adjust Parameters: Experiment with different parameters like max_tokens and temperature in the generate_text function to refine the output.
  • Expand Functionality: Consider adding more features like context handling, memory, or integrating additional NLP tools.

8. Conclusion

Creating a language learning model using LangChain and the OpenAI API is a powerful way to harness the capabilities of NLP. With these tools, you can build applications that understand and generate human-like text, opening up a world of possibilities.

By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can set up a basic LLM and start exploring the vast potential of language models. Happy coding!

Top comments (0)