Generative pre-trained transformer

A generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) is a type of large language model (LLM)^[1][2][3] and a prominent framework for generative artificial intelligence.^[4][5] It is an artificial neural network that is used in natural language processing by machines.^[6] It is based on the transformer deep learning architecture, pre-trained on large data sets of unlabeled text, and able to generate novel human-like content.^[2][3] As of 2023, most LLMs had these characteristics^[7] and are sometimes referred to broadly as GPTs.^[8]

The first GPT was introduced in 2018 by OpenAI.^[9] OpenAI has released significant GPT foundation models that have been sequentially numbered, to comprise its "GPT-n" series.^[10] Each of these was significantly more capable than the previous, due to increased size (number of trainable parameters) and training. The most recent of these, GPT-4o, was released in May 2024.^[11] Such models have been the basis for their more task-specific GPT systems, including models fine-tuned for instruction following—which in turn power the ChatGPT chatbot service.^[1]

The term "GPT" is also used in the names and descriptions of such models developed by others. For example, other GPT foundation models include a series of models created by EleutherAI,^[12] and seven models created by Cerebras in 2023.^[13] Also, companies in different industries have developed task-specific GPTs in their respective fields, such as Salesforce's "EinsteinGPT" (for CRM)^[14] and Bloomberg's "BloombergGPT" (for finance).^[15]