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Building AI-Driven Features

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revolutionized the way we interact with AI, offering capabilities that we can build out in Xano!

Written by Xano Support
Updated over a year ago

First, if you're not familiar with LLMs, you may want to read this article!

Step 1: Choosing the Right LLM

When integrating LLMs into your project, it’s essential to select a model that suits your needs. Consider:

  • Model Capabilities: Does it support the tasks you need (e.g., summarization, generation, data analysis)?

  • Cost and Performance: Is the pricing aligned with your budget, and does the model meet your performance expectations?

  • API Accessibility: Ensure the LLM provides API access for seamless integration.


Step 2: Connecting an LLM to Xano

To connect an LLM to Xano, follow these steps:

  1. Obtain API Access:

    • Sign up for the chosen LLM provider (e.g., OpenAI, Cohere, or AI21 Labs).

    • Obtain an API key for accessing the model.

  2. Store API Keys Securely:

    • In Xano, store your API keys as environment variables to keep them secure and easy to update.

  3. Create a Custom API Call in Xano:

    • Navigate to your API function stack.

    • Add a new external API request.

    • Configure the request with the LLM provider’s endpoint, including necessary headers (e.g., authorization tokens) and payloads (e.g., input text).

  4. Test the API Connection:

    • Test the setup to ensure the API is correctly returning responses from the LLM.


Step 3: Enhancing LLM Outputs

To get the best results from an LLM, apply these techniques:

  • Prompt Engineering:

    • Craft precise and detailed prompts to guide the AI. For example:

      arduinoCopy code"Summarize the following text into three bullet points: [insert text]"

  • Post-Processing Outputs:

    • Use Xano’s built-in functions to format, clean, or further process the AI’s response to meet application requirements.

    • Consider using the Post-Process


Step 4: Use Cases for LLMs in Xano

Here are some common applications where LLMs can add value to your projects:

  1. Chatbots:

    • Create conversational agents to handle customer queries or assist users within your app.

  2. Content Generation:

    • Automate the creation of marketing materials, reports, or personalized messages.

  3. Text Analysis:

    • Analyze and categorize large datasets, extracting meaningful insights (e.g., sentiment analysis, keyword extraction).


Best Practices for LLM Integration

  • Security First: Always use environment variables to store sensitive credentials.

  • Optimize Performance: Avoid sending large payloads unnecessarily. Preprocess and truncate inputs to save time and costs.

  • Test Extensively: Use unit tests to test on various inputs to ensure consistent and reliable outputs.


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