What the hell is DeepSeek-R1?

February 09, 2025

In just 30 minutes, you'll discover everything you need to know about DeepSeek-R1, the revolutionary AI model that's shaking up the tech world. From its unique reinforcement learning approach to its remarkable capabilities compared to ChatGPT, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to leverage DeepSeek-R1 for your own projects.

Introduction

DeepSeek-R1 is transforming the landscape of artificial intelligence with its innovative approach to reasoning. Launched recently, it’s quickly gained traction and has become the go-to model for many users. This section will delve into what makes DeepSeek-R1 stand out in the crowded AI marketplace.

What is DeepSeek-R1?

DeepSeek-R1 is a state-of-the-art reasoning model developed in China. Unlike traditional models that rely on supervised learning, DeepSeek-R1 employs reinforcement learning, allowing it to learn through trial and error. This method mimics how humans learn, making it particularly adept at problem-solving and critical thinking.

The architecture behind DeepSeek-R1 is designed to evaluate answers continuously. When presented with a query, it doesn't just provide a solution; it revisits its reasoning process, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of its outputs. This unique capability is what sets it apart from other models currently available.

What makes DeepSeek BETTER than ChatGPT?

DeepSeek-R1 offers a host of advantages over ChatGPT. First and foremost, it’s completely free, delivering performance that rivals paid models. This opens up access to a broader audience, enabling anyone to leverage its powerful capabilities.

Another significant advantage is transparency in its reasoning process. While ChatGPT operates as a black box, DeepSeek-R1 reveals its thought process, allowing users to understand how it arrived at a particular answer. This feature is invaluable for learning and gaining insights into complex topics.

DeepSeek-R1 is also open-source, enabling users to run it locally. This flexibility allows for customization and adaptation to specific needs, which is a game-changer for developers and researchers alike.

Lastly, the cost efficiency of DeepSeek-R1 is remarkable. Its API usage is significantly cheaper than that of ChatGPT, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their operational costs.

Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, DeepSeek-R1 has some notable shortcomings. One major concern is data privacy. Queries made through its chat feature are stored in servers located in the People's Republic of China, which raises potential security issues for sensitive information.

Additionally, while DeepSeek excels at logical reasoning and technical queries, it struggles with creative writing tasks. Users seeking assistance with storytelling or artistic content might find it lacking compared to other specialized models.

Moreover, censorship can be an issue. The model tends to avoid or limit responses to queries regarding sensitive topics, particularly those related to the Chinese government. This limitation can hinder its utility in discussions requiring comprehensive perspectives.

Tutorial Guide

Getting started with DeepSeek-R1 is straightforward. Begin by visiting the official website and create a free account. Once logged in, you can access the chat interface, where you can start exploring its capabilities.

To use DeepSeek-R1 effectively, consider the following steps:

  • Sign In: Use your Google account for quick access.
  • Choose Model: Ensure the DeepSeek-R1 model is enabled.
  • Experiment: Start by asking simple questions to understand its reasoning process.
  • Iterate: Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into topics or clarify answers.

Through this interactive process, you will quickly learn how to harness the full potential of DeepSeek-R1 for various applications.

DeepSeek thinking

The thinking process of DeepSeek-R1 is one of its most compelling features. When presented with a question, it engages in what is known as "Chain of Thought" reasoning. This involves breaking down the problem into manageable parts and considering multiple approaches before arriving at a conclusion.

This method not only enhances the quality of the answers but also provides users with insights into the problem-solving process. By observing how DeepSeek-R1 navigates complex questions, users can develop their own critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of various subjects.

Coding using DeepSeek

DeepSeek-R1 is particularly adept at assisting with coding tasks. Users can prompt the model to generate code snippets or entire applications simply by describing the desired functionality. For example, asking DeepSeek-R1 to create a simple game can yield a fully functional codebase within moments.

Here's how to make the most of DeepSeek-R1 for coding:

  • Start Simple: Begin with straightforward prompts to gauge its understanding.
  • Iterate and Refine: After receiving initial code, ask for modifications to improve functionality or adapt to different programming languages.
  • Debugging: Use DeepSeek-R1 to identify and fix errors in your code by providing it with problematic snippets.

This hands-on approach not only streamlines the coding process but also provides a learning opportunity as users can observe the model's reasoning behind each coding decision.

Run DeepSeek Locally on Your Computer

Running DeepSeek locally on your computer is an exciting venture that opens up a world of possibilities. To start, simply head to the official Ollama website and download the application suitable for your operating system. This tool allows you to run any open-source model directly on your machine.

After installation, you can run your first model. While the original DeepSeek R1 model is substantial at 671 billion parameters, you don’t need to use the full version. Instead, opt for the distilled 8 billion parameter model, which retains most capabilities while being easier on your system's resources.

In just a few minutes, you’ll have the model ready to query. You can ask any question directly within your terminal, experiencing the power of DeepSeek without relying on internet connectivity.

Using DeepSeek in Perplexity

Combining DeepSeek with Perplexity takes your capabilities to the next level. First, create an account on the Perplexity platform. With DeepSeek R1 integrated, you can harness real-time web data alongside DeepSeek’s reasoning capabilities.

For instance, you could search for the latest news in AI and ask DeepSeek to analyze the information, providing valuable insights for starting a business in this rapidly evolving field. This synergy allows you to gather up-to-date information while simultaneously tapping into DeepSeek’s advanced reasoning for deeper insights.

With a free Perplexity account, you have access to three searches per day with DeepSeek. Upgrading to a pro subscription grants you 500 searches daily, enabling extensive research and exploration.

DeepSeek API

The DeepSeek API is a powerful resource for developers looking to integrate this advanced AI into their applications. To access it, navigate to OpenRouter and create an API key for DeepSeek R1.

With this API, you can build diverse applications—whether it’s a personal assistant, a web scraper, or an automated response system. The flexibility of the API allows for creativity in how you utilise DeepSeek’s capabilities in your projects.

For instance, you can use the API in conjunction with platforms like Cursor AI to generate web content or automate tedious tasks. The possibilities are vast and limited only by your imagination.

Using DeepSeek for Automation

Automating tasks with DeepSeek can significantly enhance productivity. By using platforms like Make.com, you can create workflows that trigger actions based on specific events, like receiving an email.

Imagine receiving an email inquiry. With an automation setup, DeepSeek can generate a thoughtful reply and send it out automatically. This capability extends to various fields—marketing, sales, and customer service.

Moreover, you can automate social media posts, customer interactions, and more, streamlining operations and freeing up valuable time. The integration of DeepSeek into these processes allows for intelligent, context-aware automation.

Make DeepSeek Your Assistant

DeepSeek can also serve as your personal coding assistant. By integrating it into your development environment, such as Visual Studio Code, you can enhance your coding experience.

Install extensions that allow you to connect to the OpenRouter API and access DeepSeek’s capabilities. This integration enables you to generate code snippets, debug issues, and receive suggestions directly within your coding workspace.

With DeepSeek at your fingertips, coding becomes more efficient and less daunting, allowing you to focus on higher-level problem-solving while the AI handles repetitive tasks.

Conclusion

DeepSeek R1 represents a significant advancement in AI technology, offering users the ability to run powerful models locally and leverage them for various applications. From coding assistance to automation and real-time analysis through platforms like Perplexity, the potential of DeepSeek is vast.

Whether you’re a developer looking to enhance your projects or a business owner aiming to streamline operations, DeepSeek provides the tools and flexibility needed to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Embrace the future of AI with DeepSeek and unlock new possibilities for your work.

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