In this What is DeepSeek article, I’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about this new, exciting, and powerful AI tool.

If you’ve been hearing buzz about DeepSeek and wondering what all the fuss is about, you’re in the right place. I’m here to break it down for you in a way that’s super easy to understand, whether you’re an AI newbie or a tech pro. So, grab a coffee, and let’s dive into the world of DeepSeek!

What is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is a shiny new player in the AI world, and it’s turning heads because it’s powerful, free, and open source. Created by a Chinese company founded in 2023, DeepSeek builds large language models (LLMs) fancy tech that can understand and generate human-like text, answer questions, write code, and more. Think of it like a super-smart assistant who’s always ready to help.

What makes DeepSeek special? Unlike some other AI tools, it’s designed to dig deep (hence the name!) into complex questions and datasets, giving you detailed, accurate answers. Its latest model, DeepSeek-R1, is a rockstar at reasoning and problem-solving, making it a go-to for tasks like coding or research. Plus, because it’s open-source, developers can tweak it, customize it, and even run it on their own computers. Cool, right?

At first glance, DeepSeek might remind you of ChatGPT it’s got a similar vibe with its chatty interface. But the open-source part? That’s a game changer. It means you’re not locked into someone else’s system, and you can make DeepSeek work exactly how you want.

How to Use DeepSeek?

Ready to give DeepSeek a spin? It’s super easy to get started, and there are three main ways to use it depending on what you’re after. Let’s walk through them.

1. Web Platform

The simplest way to jump in is through DeepSeek’s website. It’s like visiting a friend’s house no setup required! Here’s what to do:

• Head to the official DeepSeek website (just Google “DeepSeek AI” if you don’t have the link handy).
• Sign up with your email or Google account. It takes like 30 seconds.
• Boom! You’re in. Start typing questions or tasks, and DeepSeek will respond right in your browser.

It’s perfect if you just want quick answers, like “What’s the capital of Iceland?” (It’s Reykjavik, by the way) or “Help me write an email to my boss.” The interface is clean and feels familiar if you’ve used other AI chatbots.

2. Mobile App

On the go? DeepSeek’s got you covered with a mobile app for iOS and Android. It’s great for when you need AI help while commuting or chilling at a café. Here’s how to get it:

• Search for “DeepSeek – AI Assistant” in the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Download the app (it’s free!).
• Sign in with your email or Google account.
• Start chatting! Ask it to summarize an article, draft a tweet, or even explain quantum physics in simple terms.

The app is sleek and lets you tap into DeepSeek’s brainpower wherever you are. I love using it for quick brainstorming sessions when I’m away from my laptop.

3. Local Installation (For Developers and Researchers)

Okay, this one’s for the tech wizards out there. If you want total control and the ability to use DeepSeek offline, you can install it on your own computer. Here’s the gist:

• Install a tool like Ollama (it’s a platform that makes running AI models easy).
• Download the DeepSeek model you want (like DeepSeek-R1 or V3) from GitHub or DeepSeek’s developer portal.
• Set it up on your machine. You might need some coding know-how, but there are tons of guides online to help.
• Once it’s running, you can use DeepSeek without an internet connection, tweak its code, or build custom apps with it.

This option is awesome for developers who want to experiment or researchers who need to crunch data privately. For example, I know a coder friend who used DeepSeek locally to analyze a massive dataset for a project total game changer.

What is DeepSeek Used For?

DeepSeek is like a Swiss Army knife it’s got a tool for almost everything. Whether you’re a student, a coder, or just curious, here’s how you can put it to work.

Using DeepSeek for Everyday Tasks

For day-to-day stuff, DeepSeek is your trusty sidekick. Need to write a thank-you note? Done. Want to brainstorm blog ideas? Easy. Here are some cool things it can do:

• Answer Questions: Ask anything from “Why do cats purr?” to “What’s the best way to cook pasta?” It’s like Google, but chattier.
• Write Stuff: Generate emails, social media posts, or even a poem for your bestie’s birthday.
• Translate Languages: Traveling to Spain? DeepSeek can help with phrases in Spanish or any other language.
• Code Helper: If you’re learning to code, DeepSeek’s coder feature can write snippets or explain tricky bits, like why your Python loop isn’t working.

For example, I once asked DeepSeek to draft a LinkedIn post about a project I finished, and it nailed the tone professional but not stuffy. Oh, and if you turn on the “Search” function, it can pull in fresh info from the web, like recent news or weather updates.

Deep Research and Data Handling

Where DeepSeek really shines is tackling big, brainy tasks. Its “deep search” feature is like having a research assistant who never sleeps. Here’s what it’s great for:

• Academic Research: Dig into complex topics like climate change or AI ethics. DeepSeek can summarize papers or explain concepts in plain English.
• Data Analysis: Got a huge spreadsheet? DeepSeek can help spot trends or crunch numbers, saving you hours.
• Complex Questions: Ask something like, “How does quantum computing impact cybersecurity?” and it’ll break it down step-by-step.

A friend of mine used DeepSeek to analyze a dataset for her biology thesis, and she said it cut her research time in half. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to dive deep without drowning in details.

DeepSeek vs ChatGPT

Alright, let’s talk about the big showdown: DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT. They’re both awesome, but they’ve got different vibes. Here’s how they stack up.

• Accessibility: ChatGPT is cloud-based, so you need the internet to use it. DeepSeek can be run locally if you install it, which means offline access and more privacy. Score one for DeepSeek if you’re a control freak like me!
• Customization: DeepSeek’s open-source nature lets developers tweak it to their heart’s content. Want to make it a chatbot for your gaming app? Go for it. ChatGPT? Not so much you’re stuck with OpenAI’s setup.
• Learning Style: DeepSeek uses reinforcement learning to get better as you interact with it, almost like it’s learning on the fly. ChatGPT improves too, but it’s more about big updates from OpenAI rather than real-time tweaks.
• Ease of Use: ChatGPT is super beginner-friendly just log in and chat. DeepSeek’s web and app versions are easy too, but the local setup can be tricky if you’re not techy.

Both are great at breaking down complex problems (they use something called Chain of Thought prompting to think step-by-step). So, which one’s better? If you want a no-fuss, conversational AI, ChatGPT’s your buddy. But if you’re a developer, researcher, or privacy nerd who loves flexibility, DeepSeek’s the way to go.

Is DeepSeek Free?

Yup, you heard that right DeepSeek is 100% free! No subscriptions, no sneaky fees, nada. You can use the web platform, mobile app, or even download the model without spending a penny. This makes it a fantastic option if you’re on a budget or just want to test the AI waters without committing to a paid tool like some of ChatGPT’s premium plans.

The catch? If you’re running it locally, you’ll need a decent computer with some serious processing power, which could mean investing in hardware. But for most folks using the web or app, it’s free as a breeze.

Who Should Use DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is awesome, but it’s not for everyone. Let’s figure out if it’s your cup of tea.

• Researchers: If you’re digging into big datasets or complex topics, DeepSeek’s deep search and data-crunching skills are a dream. It’s like having a research partner who’s always available.
• Developers: Need help coding or want to build custom AI apps? DeepSeek’s coder feature and open-source setup make it a playground for techies.
• Content Creators: Writers, bloggers, or marketers can use DeepSeek to whip up high-quality text, from blog drafts to catchy headlines. I’ve used it to brainstorm titles, and it’s a time-saver.
• Students: Working on a tough assignment? DeepSeek can explain concepts, summarize texts, or help with math problems.

If you’re just looking for simple answers or don’t want to deal with techy stuff, a basic chatbot like ChatGPT might be enough. And if you’re using DeepSeek locally, you’ll need some computer skills to set it up. But for anyone who wants a flexible, free, and powerful AI tool, DeepSeek’s a winner.

My Final Thoughts

Phew, we covered a lot! DeepSeek is hands-down one of the most exciting AI tools out there in 2025. It’s free, versatile, and packed with features that make it a serious contender against big names like ChatGPT. Whether you’re using it to answer quick questions, dive into research, or build your own AI projects, DeepSeek’s got something for everyone.

What I love most? The fact that it’s open source gives you so much freedom to make it your own. Plus, it’s hard to argue with “free”! If you’re curious about AI or want a tool that can keep up with your big ideas, give DeepSeek a try. Head to their website or download the app and see what it can do for you.

So, what’s stopping you? Jump in and start exploring DeepSeek today I bet you’ll be as impressed as I am!