Key Takeaways
- OpenAI is connecting its ChatGPT deep research feature to GitHub, allowing it to analyze code.
- Developers can now use ChatGPT to ask questions about codebases and engineering documents.
- The GitHub connector will initially be available for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users.
- OpenAI also introduced new fine-tuning capabilities for its latest AI models.
OpenAI is making its “deep research” feature in ChatGPT even more powerful by enabling it to connect with GitHub. This new capability, currently in beta, means developers can get AI assistance directly with their code.
Imagine asking ChatGPT questions about a specific codebase, or getting help understanding complex engineering documents. This first “connector” for deep research aims to do just that, helping to break down product specifications into technical tasks, summarize code structures, and even show how to use new APIs with real code examples.
According to a report from TechCrunch, this feature will roll out to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers in the coming days. Support for Enterprise and Education users is planned to follow soon after.
This move reflects a broader trend where AI companies are working to make their chatbots more integrated with other platforms. For instance, Anthropic recently launched “Integrations” for its AI, Claude. OpenAI itself previously offered plug-ins for ChatGPT but has since shifted towards custom chatbots called GPTs.
Nate Gonzalez, OpenAI’s Head of Business Products, mentioned that users often want ChatGPT’s research abilities to extend to their internal information, not just the web. This GitHub connector is the first step in that direction.
While powerful, it’s good to remember that AI can sometimes make mistakes. OpenAI suggests using this tool as a time-saver and an assistant, rather than a complete replacement for expert human knowledge. The company also stated that ChatGPT will respect existing GitHub permissions, so users will only access content they’re already authorized to see and codebases explicitly shared with the AI.
OpenAI has been increasingly focusing on tools for programmers, viewing coding assistance as a key application for its technology. This includes recent updates to its desktop app for reading code and the development of other coding tools.
In related news, OpenAI also launched new fine-tuning options for developers. This allows them to customize newer models like o4-mini and GPT-4.1 nano for specific tasks, improving their performance through targeted adjustments. Fine-tuning for o4-mini is available to verified organizations, while GPT-4.1 nano fine-tuning is open to all paying developers. OpenAI implemented a verification process for some features earlier this year to help prevent misuse.
