Files API

We need a way to keep track of the stuff we feed artificial intelligence (AI). Code, data, images. That’s where the Files API comes in. It’s basically the drawer where we put everything before she can use it.

Uploads

Do the upload first so she can start working. The API takes a file—CSV, JSON, text—and stores it. Nothing fancy. It’s like dragging a folder onto your desktop. Only here, it’s going to live where AI can actually reach it.

If it feels clunky, it usually means we’re trying to cram too much into one file. Smaller, well-named pieces are easier to find later. And easier to delete when we realize we uploaded junk.

Data management

Once the files are in, management is the real work. We have to label them, keep track of IDs, and clean up when they’re stale. Otherwise she just trips over duplicates and old junk.

Think of it like a garage. If we don’t toss the broken stuff, we’ll never find the bike pump. The API gives us handles—file IDs, metadata—to keep things straight.

Using assets

She doesn’t grab files randomly. We have to tell her which file to use in a request. That means we need to know where things live. A little discipline here pays off. Upload, tag, and note the ID. Future-us will be grateful.

Closing thought

We once thought the hard part of AI would be training models. Turns out, half the pain is just babysitting files. Feels a lot like housecleaning, which makes sense. She works better in a tidy place.