Introduction
DeepSeek has taken the spotlight this Lunar New Year—and for good reason.Let’s dive straight into the practical knowledge with 8 essential tips that will help you understand what DeepSeek is, how to use it effectively, and how to engage in high-quality conversations with this powerful AI model.
Master DeepSeek’s Three Modes
DeepSeek, developed by Hangzhou DeepSeek Company, offers a remarkably streamlined interface across both web and mobile platforms. The chat interface provides three distinct modes:
- Base Model (V3): Updated in December 2023, matching top global models like Claude-3.5-Sonnet
- Deep Thinking (R1): Released January 2024, rivaling OpenAI’s latest offerings
- Internet Search: Enables RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) capabilities
V3 vs R1: Choosing the Right Model
The V3 base model (671B parameters) excels at:
- General knowledge
- Quick responses
- Everyday tasks
The R1 model (660B parameters) specializes in:
- Logical reasoning
- Complex problem-solving
- Mathematical computations
Up-to-Date Knowledge Base
DeepSeek’s training data extends to July 2024, making it one of the most current AI models available. For topics beyond this date, utilizing the internet search feature is recommended.
The Key to Prompting: Clear Expression
DeepSeek, whether using V3 or R1 models, doesn’t require complex prompt engineering – it just needs clear, precise communication. Here’s how to structure your prompts effectively:
[Who you are] + [Your goal]
I need [task],For [purpose],Aiming to achieve [desired outcome],Concerned about [potential issues]
The key principle is clear expression. When you communicate your needs precisely, that’s all you need. Feel free to abandon those complex structured prompts you might have learned before – DeepSeek responds best to straightforward communication.
Natural Communication Works Best
Speak naturally with DeepSeek – the more conversational and direct your approach, the better the results. Avoid overly complex prompting structures.
Leveraging Internet Search
Unlike many competitors, DeepSeek combines reasoning capabilities with internet search functionality, making it exceptionally versatile for current events and up-to-date information.
File Upload Capabilities
DeepSeek supports file uploads (up to 50 files, 100MB each), enabling:
- Custom knowledge base integration
- Private document analysis
- Personalized content processing
Understanding R1’s Open Architecture
DeepSeek R1 stands out with three key features:
- Fully transparent chain-of-thought
- Open training methodology
- Available in 8 different model sizes (from 1.5B to 660B parameters)
Conclusion
DeepSeek represents a significant advancement in AI accessibility and capability. By understanding and implementing these tips, users can maximize the potential of both the V3 and R1 models for their specific needs.
