GPT, short for Generative Pre-trained Transformers, is a family of neural network models. These models utilize the transformer architecture and represent a significant advancement in artificial intelligence (AI). They are particularly powerful for generative AI applications, including ChatGPT. The term “large language models” (LLMs) encompasses any large-scale language model designed for natural language processing (NLP) tasks, and GPT models fall under this category. If you’re curious about the technical details, GPT-1 was the first version of OpenAI’s language model, and it has since evolved into subsequent versions like GPT-3 and GPT-4. These models have been influential in various fields, enabling tasks such as text generation, translation, and more.
G | Generative indicates the model's ability to generate text based on the input it receives. |
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P | Pre-trained signifies that the model has been trained on a vast dataset before being fine-tuned for specific tasks. |
T | Transformer refers to the type of neural network architecture used, which allows the model to understand and generate human-like text by considering the context of words in a sentence. |
A generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) is a type of large language model (LLM) and a prominent framework for generative artificial intelligence. It is an artificial neural network that is used in natural language processing by machines. It is based on the transformer deep learning architecture, pre-trained on large data sets of unlabeled text, and able to generate novel human-like content. As of 2023, most LLMs had these characteristics and are sometimes referred to broadly as GPTs.
The first GPT was introduced in 2018 by OpenAI. OpenAI has released significant GPT foundation models that have been sequentially numbered, to comprise its "GPT-n" series. Each of these was significantly more capable than the previous, due to increased size (number of trainable parameters) and training. The most recent of these, GPT-4o, was released in May 2024. Such models have been the basis for their more task-specific GPT systems, including models fine-tuned for instruction following—which in turn power the ChatGPT chatbot service.
The term "GPT" is also used in the names and descriptions of such models developed by others. For example, other GPT foundation models include a series of models created by EleutherAI, and seven models created by Cerebras in 2023. Companies in different industries have developed task-specific GPTs in their respective fields, such as Salesforce's "EinsteinGPT" (for CRM) and Bloomberg's "BloombergGPT" (for finance).
Custom GPTs, as defined by ChatGPT, are specialized versions of the General Purpose Transformer (GPT) model that have been tailored for specific use cases or tasks. These models are adapted from the base GPT architecture but are customized through training or fine-tuning on particular datasets, applying specific instructions, or incorporating unique capabilities to meet the requirements of a narrow set of tasks or to optimize performance in certain areas.
How Custom GPTs Differ from Standard GPT:
The main difference lies in the specialization and customization of these models to serve specific purposes more effectively than the broader, more generalized capabilities of the standard GPT models.
A Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) is not a traditional software application in the same sense as a standalone program or mobile app. Instead, it is an AI model—specifically, a large-scale language model—that has been pre-trained on vast amounts of text data. GPT can generate human-like text, answer questions, translate languages, and perform other natural language processing tasks.
Think of GPT as a powerful tool that can be integrated into software applications. Developers can use GPT to enhance chatbots, create content, automate tasks, and more. So while GPT itself is not an application, it plays a crucial role in building intelligent software systems.
The lifecycle of a GPT involves several stages: pre-training, where the model learns from vast amounts of text data; fine-tuning, where it adapts to specific tasks; deployment, when it’s integrated into applications; and maintenance.
Pre-training involves training the model on a large corpus of text data, allowing it to learn language patterns, context, and representations.
Fine-tuning customizes the pre-trained GPT model for specific tasks (e.g., chatbots, translation). It uses task-specific data and fine-tunes the model’s weights to improve performance.
Deployment involves integrating the GPT model into applications, APIs, or services. It requires infrastructure setup, API endpoints, and monitoring for performance and reliability.
Challenges include bias mitigation, ethical considerations, resource optimization, and model version control. Addressing these ensures responsible and effective deployment.
Maintenance includes monitoring performance, handling drift, updating the model, and ensuring security. Regular evaluation and retraining are essential for long-term effectiveness.
Version control tracks model versions, code changes, and data updates. It helps manage different iterations of the model and ensures reproducibility and traceability.
Security measures include access controls, encryption, secure APIs, and vulnerability assessments. Regular audits and compliance checks are crucial for robust security.
High-quality training data leads to better GPT performance. Data cleaning, validation, and diversity are essential to avoid biases and improve model accuracy.
Bias detection, fairness assessments, and debiasing techniques are vital. Organizations should actively address biases to create more equitable and unbiased AI systems.
Governance involves clear policies, documentation, stakeholder involvement, and transparency. Regular reviews and audits ensure responsible and accountable AI usage.