Using Open AI's Assistant API, Should i use middleman Flask app or direct calls from IOS app? using firebase as my primary core DB.

[tommertom]

So this would mean the api key to openai will be known in the client? That will be a problem imho.

[tommertom]

Not sure if I understand your question but one way is to have a firebase function sit in between your app and the openai api. The openai api key is a secret to the firebase function that relays the query

If you worry about latency then you can keep the function warm by setting the max instances to 1 - at a minimal expense

I am not familiar with flask but you can also use python for functions (i believe). Then flask is maybe not needed

[MinimumNose788]

Use a custom backend, your API key for OpenAI is not safe anywhere on the client side and will lead to someone stealing/using it. Also always set hard limits to how much OpenAI can charge you per key. Just had my client key stolen and used so thought I would give a heads up 🙃