How to generate text with the Ollama API

The api/generate endpoint is the direct text-generation path for a single prompt. It is a good fit for scripts that do not need chat history but still need model options, streaming control, and a JSON response.

By default, Ollama streams newline-delimited JSON chunks. Set stream to false when the caller wants one complete JSON object that is easier to parse in shell scripts and tests.

Use a small prompt and a low num_predict value for smoke tests. Longer prompts and larger limits belong in application code after the endpoint, model name, and response shape are known to work.

Related: How to check the Ollama API server
Related: How to stream Ollama API responses
Related: How to run a chat request with the Ollama API

Steps to generate text with the Ollama API:

  1. Confirm the target server is reachable. 
    $ curl -s http://localhost:11434/api/version
{"version":"0.31.1"}
  2. Send a non-streaming generation request. 
    $ curl -s http://localhost:11434/api/generate -d '{
  "model": "gpt-oss:20b",
  "prompt": "Return the word OK and nothing else.",
  "think": "low",
  "stream": false,
  "options": {"num_predict": 24}
}'
{"model":"gpt-oss:20b","response":"OK","thinking":"Just output \"OK\".","done":true}
  3. Read the final answer from response. 
    $ python3 - <<'PY'
import json
payload = {"response": "OK", "done": True}
print(payload["response"])
PY
OK
  4. Use options for generation behavior that belongs to the request. 
    $ curl -s http://localhost:11434/api/generate -d '{
  "model": "gpt-oss:20b",
  "prompt": "Return OK.",
  "stream": false,
  "options": {"temperature": 0, "num_predict": 24}
}'
{"response":"OK","done":true}
  5. Switch to api/chat when the application needs message history. 
    $ curl -s http://localhost:11434/api/chat -d '{"model":"gpt-oss:20b","messages":[{"role":"user","content":"Reply OK."}],"stream":false}'
{"message":{"role":"assistant","content":"OK"},"done":true}

    Related: How to run a chat request with the Ollama API