New to AI? You only need three labels to begin: the company makes the technology, the model is the engine, and the app is what you open. A method is a recipe developers use to build or teach AI.

Made byOpenAI
What kind of thing?Language engine
Can I use it directly?For an easy app, try ChatGPT. ChatGPT uses newer models, not the original GPT-3.
An open notebook with a speech bubble, paper boat and bright light bulb representing words and ideas.
A question, a picture or an idea can be a starting point. The model’s job depends on what it was built to do.

See the idea in three steps

Start withYour written request
AI helps withA language model
You getA draft message

A simple illustration of the idea. Results depend on the model, training and app.

A familiar way to picture it

An everyday analogyThink of OpenAI as a car maker, GPT-3 as an older engine, and ChatGPT as an app people can use.

An analogy helps you understand the main idea. It is not a description of every technical detail.

A simple GPT-3 example

You ask for a birthday message. The engine produces some words for you.

1

A person types a request for a short birthday message.

2

An app sends that request to its language model.

3

The model produces a draft that the person can read and change.

Is GPT-3 the same as ChatGPT?

No. GPT-3 is a particular older model family. ChatGPT is an assistant app. Today’s ChatGPT uses newer models. The app name and the engine name describe different things.

Where can I try it or learn more?

For an easy app, try ChatGPT. ChatGPT uses newer models, not the original GPT-3.

Try ChatGPT ↗

A maker’s page or research page may explain the technology rather than provide a chat box. Available models, features and access can change.

A small activity for you

Open ChatGPT and ask for three birthday messages: one funny, one warm and one formal. Notice how changing the request changes the writing.

You do not need to memorise model sizes or write a program to understand this lesson. First explain the idea in your own words. If you want to build an app later, the official resources are your next step.

Common beginner questions

Is GPT-3 the same as ChatGPT?

No. GPT-3 is a particular older model family. ChatGPT is an assistant app. Today’s ChatGPT uses newer models. The app name and the engine name describe different things.

Who made GPT-3?

OpenAI. For an easy app, try ChatGPT. ChatGPT uses newer models, not the original GPT-3.

How can I start learning this topic?

Open ChatGPT and ask for three birthday messages: one funny, one warm and one formal. Notice how changing the request changes the writing.

Keep learning

These related lessons help you compare the names without getting lost in technical details.

Claude Instant 1.2 Explained: Anthropic’s Older AI Model →What Is PaLM 2? Google’s Older AI Model Explained →

See all 20 AI names and the seven-day learning plan →

Sources and review date

Reviewed 3 November 2026. Examples and analogies are written for beginners. Product facts are linked to the maker, original project or research below.