Build a Backend using the OpenAI (GPT-3) API

If you're a foodie who loves trying out new restaurants and sharing your dining experiences with others, this guide is for you! We'll show you how to build a restaurant note-taking app using Xano, a no-code platform, and OpenAI's review generator API. With this app, you can easily jot down your thoughts during your meal, and OpenAI will generate a detailed review for you based on your notes. Let's get started!

Step 1: Set Up Your Data Model

The first step is to create your data model in Xano. This will define the structure of your application's database.

1. Create a User Table: Add columns for `name`, `email`, and `password`. You can enter some dummy data for testing purposes.
2. Create a Restaurant Table: Add the following columns:

• `name` (text field)
• `review` (text field)
• `user_id` (table reference to the User table)

You can manually enter a restaurant name and associate it with a user ID, or you can use the API to generate the review, as shown in the next steps.

Step 2: Connect to the OpenAI Review Generator API

Xano allows you to connect to external APIs easily. In this case, we'll use the OpenAI Review Generator API to generate reviews based on your notes.

1. Create a New API Endpoint: In the Xano interface, create a new API endpoint called "Review Generator."
2. Add an External API Request Function: In the Function Stack, add an "External API Request" function.
3. Import the API Curl Command: Most APIs provide a curl command in their documentation. Copy the curl command from the OpenAI Review Generator API documentation and import it into Xano using the "Import Curl" feature.
4. Add API Authorization: Some APIs require authorization. If prompted, enter the API key or authentication details provided by OpenAI.
5. Test the API Connection: Run the API request to ensure it's working correctly. You should see the response from OpenAI in the preview.

Step 3: Create User Inputs

To make the app more interactive, you'll need to create inputs for users to enter their restaurant details and notes.

1. Add Input Fields: In the API endpoint, add two input fields: `restaurant_name` and `restaurant_notes`.
2. Update the API Request: Replace the hard-coded values in the API request with the input variables using the `sprintf` filter. This will allow users to enter their own restaurant details and notes.

Step 4: Associate Reviews with Users

To associate reviews with specific users, you'll need to retrieve the user's ID based on their email address.

1. Add a User Email Input: Add an input field for the `user_email`.
2. Get User Record: Use the "Get Record" function to retrieve the user's record from the User table based on their email address.
3. Add Review to Database: After generating the review, use the "Add Record" function to insert the review into the Restaurant table. Use the retrieved user ID to associate the review with the correct user.

Step 5: Test and Deploy

Congratulations! You've now created a fully functional restaurant note-taking app using Xano and OpenAI's review generator API.

1. Test the App: Enter a restaurant name, your notes, and your email address. Run the API endpoint and check if the review is correctly added to the Restaurant table, associated with your user ID.
2. Deploy the App: Xano makes it easy to deploy your application with a single click. Once deployed, you can share the app with your friends and fellow foodies!

By following these steps, you've learned how to leverage the power of no-code platforms like Xano and integrate with external APIs like OpenAI's review generator. This app is just a starting point – you can further enhance it by adding features like rating systems, image uploads, or social sharing capabilities.

Happy building and bon appétit!