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Build a Custom AI Assistant with OpenAI API: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Prerequisites & Environment Setup

• Create an OpenAI account, generate an API key, and set up billing (walk through the dashboard).
• Install Python 3.10+ and configure a virtual environment with openai, python-dotenv, and rich.
• Store your API key securely in a .env file and load it with python-dotenv.

2. Design Your Assistant’s Personality & Instructions

• Define a clear system prompt that sets the tone, constraints, and domain expertise (e.g., “You are a helpful coding tutor”).
• Choose a model (GPT-4o
  

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  Written byTheo Grant

  Theo Grant explores real-world AI applications, automation workflows, and hands-on tutorials at AI In Action Hub. Theo breaks down complex AI concepts into practical guides that help professionals and creators leverage AI in their daily work.