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Stainless: Generating SDKs for Tech Giants like OpenAI, etc.

2024-12-10

Devs have long awaited tech vendors to supply software development kits (SDKs) alongside their products. This would simplify the process of creating apps. However, many vendors only offer APIs, which are basic communication protocols. Alex Rattray, the founder of Stainless, believes AI can play a crucial role. Stainless uses a compiler to automatically generate SDKs from APIs on the fly. Without an SDK, API users have to rely on reading API docs and building everything themselves. There is no easy way for vendors to create SDKs at scale. Stainless takes in an API spec and generates SDKs in multiple programming languages like Python, TypeScript, Kotlin, and Go. As APIs evolve, the platform pushes updates with versioning and changelog options. While typical vendors have in-house devs build libraries, Stainless uses AI to create an initial config that teams can fine-tune. This avoids library inconsistency and outdated issues, leading to quicker upgrades and faster integration. Rattray claims that we are entering a world where everyone has an expert-level engineer in their pocket. With this shift, APIs will become the primary interface for all users, and companies without excellent APIs will become outdated. Much of Stainless' functionality is based on Rattray's industry experiences. He picked up programming while at UPenn and later worked at Stripe, where he helped with API documentation and launched the API client SDK. Stainless is not the only API-to-SDK generator. There are others like LibLab and Speakeasy, as well as open source projects like the OpenAPI Generator. But Rattray argues that Stainless offers more "polish" due to its compiler. Many customers have tried the OpenAPI Generator but found its output lacking in code quality. This polish has attracted tech giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta to Stainless' platform, along with other companies like Runway, Groq, Cerebras, Modern Treasury, and Cloudflare. Rattray claims that Stainless has hundreds of paying customers and its SDKs are downloaded millions of times weekly. Most customers pay for the enterprise tier, which includes additional services and AI functionality. Publishing a single SDK is free, but multiple SDKs cost between $250 a month and $30,000 a year. Rattray said the company's annual recurring revenue is around $1 million and it is nearing profitability. To grow, Stainless recently closed a $25 million Series A led by a16z with participation from Sequoia, The General Partnership, Felicis, Zapier, and MongoDB. The new funds will be used to expand the 20-person team in New York. Rattray added that the business is efficient but they raised funds to accelerate development towards their vision. SDKs are just the first step; their vision is to build a comprehensive platform for all API-related needs.

Unlock the Power of APIs with Stainless' AI-Driven SDKs

Tech Vendors and the SDK Dilemma

Devs have been expecting tech vendors to provide SDKs alongside their products. But the reality is that many only offer APIs. This creates a challenge for developers who need to build apps using these products. Stainless steps in with its innovative approach using AI to generate SDKs from APIs.

Without an SDK, API users have to do a lot of work themselves. They have to read API docs and build everything from scratch. This is not an efficient process. Stainless' solution automates this process and makes it easier for developers to create apps.

The Stainless Approach

Stainless takes in an API spec and generates SDKs in multiple programming languages. This allows developers to choose the language they are most comfortable with. As APIs evolve, Stainless' platform pushes updates with versioning and changelog options.

Unlike typical vendors who have in-house devs building libraries, Stainless uses AI to create an initial config. This config can then be fine-tuned by teams to meet their specific API needs. This approach avoids problems like library inconsistency and outdated issues.

The Impact of Stainless

Rattray believes that we are entering a world where everyone has an expert-level engineer in their pocket. With this shift, APIs will become the primary interface for all users. Companies without excellent APIs will be left behind.

Stainless' functionality is based on Rattray's industry experiences. He has seen firsthand the challenges of working with APIs and the need for better solutions. Stainless is not just another API-to-SDK generator; it offers more "polish" due to its compiler.

Customer Success and Growth

Stainless has attracted many tech giants and other companies with its platform. It has hundreds of paying customers and its SDKs are downloaded millions of times weekly.

The company's enterprise tier offers additional services and AI functionality. Publishing a single SDK is free, but multiple SDKs come at a cost. Rattray said the company's annual recurring revenue is around $1 million and it is nearing profitability.

Future Plans and Funding

To grow, Stainless recently closed a $25 million Series A led by a16z with participation from other investors. The new funds will be used to expand the team and continue developing the platform.

Rattray added that SDKs are just the first step. Their vision is to build a comprehensive platform for all API-related needs. This shows their ambition and commitment to the field.

Attention, fellow entertainment enthusiasts! In the highly anticipated Season Two of the immensely popular Korean thriller series "Squid Game" on Netflix, viewers are about to embark on a new challenge. But before diving in, a crucial question arises - do you know how to speak Korean? This collaboration between Netflix and Duolingo aims to address just that.

Unlock the Secrets of "Squid Game" with Duolingo's Korean Lessons

Why Learn Korean for "Squid Game"

1: The upcoming Season Two of "Squid Game" has sparked a wave of excitement among viewers worldwide. To truly immerse oneself in this thrilling world, knowing the Korean language becomes essential. Duolingo, a renowned language learning app, has joined forces with Netflix to offer a unique learning experience. By integrating over 40 keywords and phrases from the show into its app, learners can connect more closely with the series and enhance their understanding. 2: For example, the sugary treat "dolgana" featured in the third episode of the first season is now part of the Duolingo lessons. This not only makes learning fun but also helps learners remember key vocabulary. Lessons teaching phrases like "Trust no one," "Let's play a game," and "You've been eliminated" add an extra layer of authenticity to the learning process.

The Impact of "Squid Game" on Language Learning

1: According to Duolingo's chief marketing officer, Manu Orssaud, the collaboration with "Squid Game" has led to a remarkable 40% jump in Korean learners. Since the series was released in 2021, it has amassed a massive fanbase of 330 million viewers and 2.8 billion hours watched. This shows the power of popular culture in driving language learning. 2: By incorporating references from the show into the regular Korean lessons, Duolingo has created a unique learning environment. Learners can now practice their Korean skills while being inspired by the exciting world of "Squid Game." This approach makes learning more engaging and effective.

The Fun Element: TikTok Game Filter

1: In addition to the language lessons, the new TikTok game filter adds another layer of fun to the "Squid Game" experience. Users can test their Korean skills with voice-activated challenges featuring Duo, Duolingo's owl mascot, dressed in a pink guard costume. This interactive element allows learners to have fun while improving their language abilities. 2: For instance, users must accurately pronounce phrases to take out players attempting to survive the infamous Red Light, Green Light game. This not only adds an element of competition but also helps learners reinforce their pronunciation and vocabulary.

Netflix's Promotional Efforts

1: Netflix is leaving no stone unturned in promoting "Squid Game." This year, they have hosted a race in Los Angeles on December 12, where fans can compete for a seat at the U.S. premiere. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk and various cast members, including Lee Jung-jae, will be in attendance, adding to the excitement. 2: Fans in select locations like New York, Madrid, Seoul, and Sydney can also check out "Squid Game: The Experience," which allows them to participate in popular games from the show. On December 17, "Squid Game: Unleashed" launches, a new mobile game developed by Netflix Games. These promotional efforts showcase Netflix's commitment to making "Squid Game" a global phenomenon.

A University of Cincinnati survey conducted by the Cryptoeconomics Lab at UC Digital Futures has revealed an interesting finding. It shows that cryptocurrency owners score higher than non-cryptocurrency owners in financial literacy. This challenges the common belief that literacy is the sole problem. Michael Jones, PhD, an assistant professor of economics from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business and the director of the Cryptoeconomics Lab, believes it is logical that cryptocurrency owners would be inclined to learn more about the traditional financial sector. He stated, “I would argue that cryptocurrency adoption can be an effective vehicle for increasing financial literacy.” The Cryptoeconomics Lab has developed a comprehensive survey to test individuals’ knowledge about cryptoeconomics. This survey provides valuable insights into the relationship between cryptocurrency and financial literacy. By understanding this connection, we can gain a better perspective on the role of cryptocurrency in the financial world.

Uncovering the Link between Cryptocurrency and Financial Literacy

Survey Findings

The University of Cincinnati survey clearly indicates that cryptocurrency owners possess a higher level of financial literacy compared to non-cryptocurrency owners. This finding challenges the conventional wisdom and opens up new avenues for exploration. It suggests that cryptocurrency may have a positive impact on financial knowledge and understanding.

Furthermore, the survey results provide evidence that cryptocurrency adoption can serve as a catalyst for increasing financial literacy. As cryptocurrency owners seek to navigate the complex world of digital currencies, they are also exposed to various financial concepts and practices. This exposure can lead to a broader understanding of finance and potentially improve their overall financial well-being.

Professor's Perspective

Michael Jones, with his expertise in economics and his role as the director of the Cryptoeconomics Lab, offers valuable insights into this phenomenon. He argues that cryptocurrency adoption is not just about digital currencies but also about the opportunity to learn and grow in the financial realm. By engaging with cryptocurrency, individuals are motivated to expand their knowledge and skills, which can have a lasting impact on their financial lives.

Jones' perspective highlights the importance of looking beyond the surface of cryptocurrency and recognizing its potential to drive financial literacy. His research and work with the Cryptoeconomics Lab are contributing to a deeper understanding of this complex relationship and providing valuable guidance for individuals and policymakers alike.

Survey Development

The Cryptoeconomics Lab's development of a survey to test individuals' knowledge about cryptoeconomics is a significant step forward. This survey allows for a more systematic and objective assessment of financial literacy among cryptocurrency owners and non-owners. By gathering data through this survey, researchers can gain a better understanding of the factors that influence financial literacy and the role of cryptocurrency in this context.

The survey questions cover a wide range of topics related to cryptoeconomics, including blockchain technology, digital currencies, and financial concepts. This comprehensive approach ensures that the survey provides a holistic view of individuals' knowledge and understanding. The data collected from the survey will be valuable for further research and analysis, helping to shape policies and strategies related to cryptocurrency and financial literacy.