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OpenAI-Compatible API Gateway for Side Projects

· 3 min read
AI Supermarket
AI Supermarket
AI API Gateway Docs

Small AI products often start with one model provider and one SDK. That works until the project needs a backup model, a cheaper model, image generation, or a coding assistant that expects a slightly different API style.

An OpenAI-compatible API gateway gives a small team one stable integration point:

https://aisupermarket.work/v1

You keep the familiar OpenAI SDK shape while routing requests through AI Supermarket.

Who This Is For​

This setup is a good fit for:

  • solo developers building AI side projects
  • small SaaS teams testing multiple model families
  • internal tools that need a stable OpenAI-compatible endpoint
  • coding workflows using CLI agents or IDE assistants

It is less useful if your application depends on a provider-specific feature that is not exposed through a compatible endpoint.

Why This Keyword Is a Good Niche​

The phrase "OpenAI-compatible API gateway" is specific. It is not as broad as "AI API", and it has clear search intent: the reader is probably already trying to configure a Base URL, SDK, or proxy-compatible endpoint.

That makes it a good long-tail topic for a technical documentation blog.

Basic OpenAI-Compatible Setup​

Python:

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(
    api_key="your-api-key",
    base_url="https://aisupermarket.work/v1",
)

response = client.responses.create(
    model="your-model",
    input="Write a short product description for an AI dashboard."
)

print(response.output_text)

JavaScript:

import OpenAI from "openai";

const client = new OpenAI({
  apiKey: "your-api-key",
  baseURL: "https://aisupermarket.work/v1",
});

const response = await client.responses.create({
  model: "your-model",
  input: "Write a short product description for an AI dashboard.",
});

console.log(response.output_text);

Common Mistakes​

The most common mistake is mixing the portal URL with the API URL.

Use this for OpenAI-compatible requests:

https://aisupermarket.work/v1

Use this only for the browser portal:

https://aisupermarket.work

Another common mistake is copying a model name from an example without checking whether that model is available in your account group.

Always check available models first:

curl https://aisupermarket.work/v1/models \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer your-api-key"

Practical Checklist​

Before debugging your app code, confirm:

  • the API Key starts with the expected prefix
  • the Key is enabled
  • the Key is assigned to the correct group
  • the account has balance or subscription quota
  • the Base URL includes /v1 for OpenAI-compatible SDKs
  • the model name appears in the available model list