ModelRefs / OpenAI Python SDK — AI Glossary
OpenAI Python SDK — AI Glossary
The official Python client library for the OpenAI API, providing typed request/response models, async support, and streaming helpers.
Overview
openai-python (v1.x, fully typed, httpx-based) provides: ChatCompletion.create (sync/async), streaming helpers (stream() context manager), tool call parsing, automatic retries with exponential backoff, and response validation. Used directly and as a dependency by LangChain, LlamaIndex, and most Python LLM tooling.
Reference details
| Topic | ecosystem |
|---|---|
| Also known as | openai Python library |
| Last reviewed | 2026-06-24 |
Related terms
Commonly confused with
The official client for one provider, not a multi-provider abstraction — that is LiteLLM or a gateway. Worth separating from the OpenAI-compatible *interface*: many providers accept the same request shape, so this client can often be pointed at them by changing the base URL, but doing so gives you the shape and not the behaviour, since parameter support and error semantics vary.
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Frequently asked questions
What is OpenAI Python SDK?
The official Python client library for the OpenAI API, providing typed request/response models, async support, and streaming helpers.
Is OpenAI Python SDK the same as openai Python library?
Yes — openai Python library are common aliases for OpenAI Python SDK.
What concepts are related to OpenAI Python SDK?
Closely related concepts include anthropic sdk, sdk, openai api.