OpenAI officially launched the ChatGPT Developer Mode feature on September 11. This Beta feature is available to Plus and Pro users, supporting full model context protocol (MCP) client functionality. This upgrade enables ChatGPT not only to read external data but also to perform write operations, marking a significant transformation of this AI assistant from a conversation tool to an automated agent.
The new feature is based on the MCP protocol, allowing developers to create custom connectors that enable ChatGPT to directly interact with external systems. Users can use natural language instructions for the AI to perform complex tasks, including updating Jira tickets, triggering Zapier workflows, or performing联动 operations across multiple connectors.
The core of ChatGPT Developer Mode is achieving bidirectional interaction between AI and external tools. Developers can create custom connectors that support search, scrape, modify, and write operations. This capability allows ChatGPT to handle tasks such as database updates, file editing, and API calls, rather than being limited to information retrieval alone.
This feature supports integration with any MCP-compatible server, including remote server-side push events (SSE) and streaming HTTP protocols, and provides OAuth authentication options. Developers can enable or disable specific tools through the connector management interface, ensuring accuracy and security of operations.
Currently, this feature is only available on the ChatGPT website for Plus and Pro users. Users need to navigate to the advanced connector options in settings and turn on the developer mode. After enabling it, users can add remote MCP servers in the connector tab, specifying the URL, icon, and authentication method.
In actual use, users need to clearly specify the tools they want to use. For write operations involving data modification, the system displays a JSON parameter confirmation interface, requiring users to verify the operation parameters. New conversations will reset tool permissions, ensuring each use undergoes a security review.
OpenAI has added multiple layers of security measures in the feature design. Read-only tools are marked as ReadOnlyHint, and write operations must be confirmed by the user. Connectors are limited to trusted sources and do not support unverified custom plugins.
The official documentation states that this feature is specifically designed for developers with a security mindset and recommends testing in isolated environments. Although the complex automation of the toolchain can improve efficiency, strict monitoring is required to avoid unintended operations.
This feature further solidifies OpenAI's leading position in the AI agent ecosystem. Developers can use the MCP protocol to build specialized integration solutions, promoting the shift from traditional SaaS tools to AI-driven platforms.
According to reports, OpenAI plans to expand this feature to more subscription plans and optimize desktop version support. The developer community has responded positively to this feature, and it is expected to accelerate the deployment of enterprise-level AI integration applications.
Industry analysts believe that the launch of ChatGPT Developer Mode represents a significant milestone in the development of conversational AI toward automated agents. As more enterprises adopt these AI-driven automation solutions, traditional business process management methods may face major changes.
Official Documentation:
https://platform.openai.com/docs/mcp
https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/developer-mode
