Troubleshooting Base URLs
Switching models should be simple. You change the endpoint and keep using the same SDK. Often, it fails with errors like 401, 404, or 429.
Before you blame the SDK, run these 7 checks.
Check the /v1 prefix Most gateways need the /v1 suffix in the base URL. If you use only the domain, the SDK might call the wrong path. Always copy the exact format from the provider docs.
Verify your API keys Mixing keys causes most failures. Watch out for these:
- Using an OpenAI key with a relay URL.
- Using a relay key with an OpenAI URL.
- Using keys from disabled projects.
- Including extra spaces in the key.
If you see a 401 error, print only the first and last few characters of your key to compare it with your dashboard. Never log the full key.
Use exact model names Do not guess model names. Gateway names change based on availability. Copy the model ID exactly from the provider list. An incorrect name leads to 404 or model_not_found errors.
Run a tiny test request Test your connection with a single, small request before debugging your entire app. If a simple "ping" works, your URL, key, and model are correct. The issue lies in your app logic, such as streaming or tool calling.
Understand error codes
- 401 means your key or account state is wrong.
- 429 means you hit a rate limit or have no balance. If you see a 429, check your billing page. Avoid tight retry loops, as they make the limit worse.
Check the status page If your code worked yesterday but fails today, do not rewrite your integration. Check the provider's status page. Upstream incidents are common with relay services.
Use a curl command Keep a minimal curl command in your project docs. Run it when the app breaks.
- If curl fails: Debug your account, gateway, or network.
- If curl works: Debug your application code.
Clean basics make model switching easy.
Optional learning community: https://t.me/GyaanSetuAi