How can I manage OpenAI context effectively?
Tired of Re-explaining Yourself to OpenAI? Here's a Better Way
Let's be honest, how much time do we waste repeating ourselves to our AI assistants? I got fed up with it. Starting a new chat, I'd have to re-explain my project, upload the same files, and basically start from scratch. It's a real time-suck, and I know I'm not alone in this.
Overcoming the OpenAI Context Frustration
The core problem is the lack of persistent context. OpenAI, by nature, resets with each new chat. But we, as users, often need the AI to understand a larger project, a set of documents, or a specific workflow. So, I wanted to share some of the things that help me:
- Define Your Project Upfront: Think of your project as a living thing. Before diving into specific questions, outline the purpose, goals, and core components. This gives your AI a much better foundation.
- Consolidate Key Files: If you're constantly referencing files, consolidate them. I've found that zipping them or creating a single document summary saves tons of time.
- Build a Context Template: Create a template that you reuse. Include project details, file summaries, and any specific instructions.
- Be Explicit with Instructions: Don't assume the AI understands. Be crystal clear about what you expect, the format, and any key constraints.
- Iterate and Refine: What works is to test different approaches. If your AI isn't giving you the results you want, adjust your templates, files, or initial instructions.
- Save Your Wins: When a chat goes well, save the context and the results. This way, you can review what worked and quickly adapt it.
- Track Your Costs: AI usage can add up. Keep an eye on costs, and optimize your prompts to minimize expenses.
But it all still takes a bunch of effort. Trust me, I know!
Introducing Contextch.at
I was so tired of all this that I went looking. In my search, I heard about Contextch.at. It allows you to set up multiple projects with all the websites, files, and GitHub repos you need. You then start new chats that already know your data. It has useful tools like selectable AI models, a context builder, and a cost calculator. No more re-explaining everything, you can just create a project and get going. The pay-per-use model means no subscriptions. I’ve found that this has saved me a massive amount of time and hassle. It's like having a memory for your AI, which, as you know, is something we all desire.