What is RetoolGPT? How we built an internal AI assistant

Retool faced challenges with existing public chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude, which couldn't efficiently incorporate or provide accurate, up-to-date information from the company's internal data. To address this, Retool developed RetoolGPT, an internal version of a chatbot that integrates with their Confluence documents, Retool documentation, and Linear tickets to deliver more specific answers using internal data. This custom solution allowed for interface customization, relevant integration selection, and rapid iteration based on user feedback. The system features a familiar ChatGPT-like interface but with enhancements such as flexible model selection, knowledge source toggling, and centralized logic management via JavaScript for easier state management. Backend workflows ensure the chat app functions smoothly by handling message processing, knowledge base ingestion, and automatic thread titling. RetoolGPT's development and deployment underscore the balance between using Retool’s out-of-the-box components and customizing for specific needs, highlighting the potential for powerful, internally-built solutions that maintain data control and user experience.