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Reasoning Models Architecture & Controls

🧠 OpenAI Frontier Architecture 15 min 400 BASE XP⌨ HANDS-ON LAB

OpenAI Reasoning Models: o1 & o3-mini

OpenAI's reasoning models (o1 and o3-mini) are trained with reinforcement learning to generate internal chains of thought before producing a response. This allows them to excel in STEM, complex coding, and multi-step analytical reasoning.

Calibrating Reasoning Effort

On o3-mini, you can calibrate how many reasoning tokens the model uses via the reasoning_effort parameter:

Effort LevelLatencyBest For
lowFastestStraightforward code fixes, basic math, fast decision routing
medium (default)BalancedGeneral software engineering, data analysis, standard reasoning
highThoroughComplex mathematical proofs, competitive programming, intricate architecture design
const response = await openai.chat.completions.create({
  model: "o3-mini",
  reasoning_effort: "high",
  messages: [
    { role: "developer", content: "You are a senior algorithmic engineer." },
    { role: "user", content: "Optimize this dynamic programming solution for memory bounds." }
  ]
});

Developer Messages

Reasoning models replace the legacy system role with the developer role, ensuring clear instruction hierarchy while preserving the model's safety and reasoning boundaries.

💡 Best Practice: Reasoning models natively support Structured Outputs (strict: true) and Function Calling, making them powerful reasoning engines for agentic workflows.
⌨ HANDS-ON LABDeploy Developer Messages on o1 Models
⭐ +200 XP

o1 and o3 models replace the system role with developer messages for strict behavioral guidance. Submit an o1 developer message.

1POST to /v1/chat/completions targeting o1 using the developer role instead of system.
lab-sandbox — simulated environment
INFINITY LAB SANDBOX v2.6 — simulated shell
Type the command for the current objective. Helpers: "hint", "solution", "clear".
$
OBJECTIVE 1 / 1 — type "hint" if stuck
SYNAPSE VERIFICATION
QUERY 1 // 4
Which parameter controls the depth of reasoning tokens on o3-mini?
temperature
reasoning_effort ('low' | 'medium' | 'high')
max_reasoning_tokens
thinking_depth