This project provides a simple, free, and easy-to-deploy proxy for OpenAI API access, primarily targeting users in regions with restricted access to OpenAI services. It aims to bypass geographical restrictions and offer a stable connection without requiring users to write any code for the cloud function deployment.

How It Works

The proxy leverages serverless cloud functions, specifically Tencent Cloud Functions, to host a Node.js application. This application acts as an intermediary, forwarding requests to OpenAI's API and returning the responses. The serverless architecture allows for automatic scaling and a "pay-as-you-go" model, with a free tier often sufficient for moderate usage. The project supports various regions, including Hong Kong, offering flexibility in choosing a server location.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install/Run: Deploy via Tencent Cloud Function console (uploading a ZIP package) or self-host using npm install and npm run start.
• Prerequisites: A Tencent Cloud account (or similar cloud provider for self-hosting), Node.js 16.13+, and an OpenAI API key.
• Setup: Cloud function deployment is described as a few clicks with no coding required. Self-hosting involves standard Node.js setup.
• Links: Tencent Cloud Console, Download ZIP, CatGPT

Highlighted Details

• Free to deploy on Tencent Cloud Functions with potential for minimal costs.
• Simpler setup compared to Cloudflare Workers.
• Supports multiple regions, including Hong Kong.
• Compatible with third-party applications that allow custom OpenAI API endpoints.

Maintenance & Community

The repository appears to be maintained by a single author, Ice-Hazymoon. There are no explicit mentions of community channels like Discord or Slack, nor a public roadmap.

Licensing & Compatibility

The repository does not explicitly state a license in the provided README. This lack of clear licensing may pose compatibility issues for commercial or closed-source use.

Limitations & Caveats

The proxy does not support Server-Sent Events (SSE), which can impact the user experience for certain OpenAI features. It also requires integration with other client applications, as direct access will result in a 404 error. The project warns against using it with unverified or non-paying OpenAI accounts due to potential account bans.