Transforming TensorFlow Models into OpenAPI Specifications with KServe’s Tf2OpenAPI Tool

Jul 10, 2025

Introduction to KServe’s Tf2OpenAPI Tool

The Tf2OpenAPI tool is a powerful utility designed to convert TensorFlow SavedModel files into OpenAPI 3.0 specifications. This transformation facilitates HTTP prediction requests, enabling developers to validate inputs, generate user-friendly documentation, and benchmark model performance.

Key Features of Tf2OpenAPI

  • Input Validation: Ensures that HTTP requests are correctly formatted before processing.
  • User-Friendly Documentation: Automatically generates documentation that includes sample payloads.
  • Payload Generation: Creates payloads for benchmarking and performance testing.

Technical Architecture and Implementation

The Tf2OpenAPI tool operates by taking TensorFlow SavedModel protobuf binary files and generating an OpenAPI specification. It supports various input formats, including:

  • Row Format: Ideal for batchable inputs, allowing intuitive construction of payloads.
  • Column Format: Used for non-batchable inputs and specific batchable configurations.

By default, Tf2OpenAPI generates payloads in row format, which is more user-friendly.

Installation and Setup

To get started with Tf2OpenAPI, follow these steps:

  1. Clone the repository from KServe GitHub.
  2. Ensure you have the required dependencies, including TensorFlow and protobufs.
  3. Compile the necessary TensorFlow protos as outlined in the README.md.

For detailed instructions, refer to the official documentation.

Usage Examples and API Overview

To use the Tf2OpenAPI tool, execute the following command:

tf2openapi -m /path/to/saved_model -o /path/to/output_file.yaml

This command specifies the absolute path to the SavedModel and the output file for the OpenAPI spec. Additional flags allow customization of the model name, version, and signature definitions.

Community and Contribution

The KServe community welcomes contributions! If you’re interested in helping improve the Tf2OpenAPI tool, check out the contributing guidelines.

License and Legal Considerations

Before using or contributing to the Tf2OpenAPI tool, please review the licensing information provided in the repository. Ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

Conclusion

The Tf2OpenAPI tool is an essential resource for developers working with TensorFlow models, streamlining the process of generating OpenAPI specifications. By leveraging this tool, you can enhance your model’s usability and accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Tf2OpenAPI tool:

What is Tf2OpenAPI?

Tf2OpenAPI is a tool that converts TensorFlow SavedModel files into OpenAPI 3.0 specifications for HTTP prediction requests.

How do I install Tf2OpenAPI?

Clone the repository from GitHub, install the required dependencies, and compile the necessary TensorFlow protos as described in the README.

Can I contribute to the project?

Yes! The KServe community encourages contributions. Check the contributing guidelines in the community repository for more information.