Publié : 5 December 2025
Actualisé : 2 days ago
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📋 Table of Contents
Integrating artificial intelligence into web applications has opened new perspectives, but it also raises security challenges, particularly regarding the management of API keys for language models (LLMs). While “agentic” frameworks like LangGraph are unsuitable for direct execution in the browser, alternatives such as LangChain.js and the Vercel AI SDK allow for the integration of LLMs client-side. The main challenge lies in protecting API keys, which are essential for accessing services from OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, and Google AI Studio, providing access to GPT, Claude, Gemini, and their equivalents. This article explores how to develop a single-page web application (SPA) leveraging AI in JavaScript, serverless, using the “Bring Your Own Key” (BYOK) model.
🤖 A Concrete Use Case: AI-Assisted Qualitative Analysis
Consider thematic coding, a qualitative analysis technique used in social sciences. This method involves categorizing text segments from interview transcripts. Although software like NVivo exists to facilitate this task, the manual process often remains lengthy and tedious. LLMs can automate part of this work by performing an initial classification. The “agentic” approach, which involves analyzing each sentence individually, helps limit LLM “hallucinations.” The Vercel AI SDK, with its generateObject function, proves particularly suitable for this task. This requires creating a user-friendly interface, as illustrated by the CodageGPT application, an experimental project.
In this type of application, where data confidentiality is paramount, an SPA architecture without an API is preferable. AI does not replace the researcher’s expertise but provides an overview of the data, helping to identify key themes addressed in the interviews.
🤔 Why Opt for Client-Side Execution?
Traditionally, calls to AI APIs are made server-side, using technologies like Vercel AI SDK or LangChain, which involves managing data and API keys on the server. Moving these calls client-side offers several advantages:
- Reduced Server Load: Fewer resources are needed server-side because processing is offloaded to the user’s browser.
- Improved Confidentiality: Sensitive data does not pass through the server, enhancing privacy protection.
- Improved User Experience: Interactions can be faster and more responsive because they do not depend on server latency.
Key Point: Client-side execution reduces server load and improves data confidentiality by avoiding data transit through the server.
🔑 The BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) Strategy
The BYOK model allows the user to provide their own API key to access AI services. This eliminates the need to store the key on the server and gives the user full control over their data and API access. Implementing this model requires careful attention to security.
🛡️ Securing API Keys Client-Side: Best Practices
Storing an API key directly in JavaScript code is a bad practice. Here are some techniques to enhance security:
- Use Environment Variables: Embed the API key in an environment variable accessible only client-side.
- Encrypt the Key: Encrypt the API key before storing it client-side and decrypt it only when necessary.
- Limit Permissions: Use API keys with limited permissions to reduce risks in case of compromise.
- Monitor Usage: Implement a monitoring system to detect any suspicious activity related to the API key.
🛠️ Technologies and Tools for Client-Side AI Integration
Several libraries and SDKs facilitate the integration of AI into client-side web applications:
| Technology | Description | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| LangChain.js | Framework for building LLM-powered applications. | Flexibility, modularity, wide range of integrations. |
| Vercel AI SDK | SDK for integrating AI models from Vercel. | Ease of use, optimized for Vercel, advanced functions. |
🚀 Deployment and Maintenance
Deploying an SPA with client-side AI features is relatively straightforward. Platforms like Netlify or Vercel allow for quick deployment and simplified management. Maintenance involves regularly monitoring API usage and updating libraries to benefit from the latest security enhancements.
Important: API key security is crucial. Implement robust measures to protect your keys and monitor their usage.
In conclusion, client-side AI integration offers significant benefits in terms of performance, confidentiality, and user experience. By adopting the BYOK model and applying security best practices, it is possible to create intelligent and secure web applications.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
What is BYOK and why is it important for the security of my AI app?
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