How to Get Started with DeepSeek: A Beginner's Guide to Modern AI Tools

Open-source AI is rapidly transforming the technology landscape, and DeepSeek is at the forefront of this movement. Whether you’re a developer, researcher, analyst, or AI enthusiast, DeepSeek offers a unique combination of performance, transparency, and accessibility. This guide will help you understand what DeepSeek is, why it stands out, and how you can start using it for development, research, and automation.

What is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence company based in Hangzhou, China, founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng and backed by the hedge fund High-Flyer. DeepSeek specializes in developing large language models (LLMs) and has quickly become a major player in the global AI arena. Its models, including DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, are designed to rival leading AI systems like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini—but at a fraction of the cost.

Key Features and Innovations:

  • Open Weight Models: DeepSeek’s LLMs are released with open weight models, allowing researchers and developers to access, modify, and deploy the models freely, though with some usage conditions.
  • Cost Efficiency: DeepSeek trained its V3 model for just $6 million, far less than the $100 million+ spent on comparable models like GPT-4, and with only about one-tenth the computing power of Meta’s Llama 3.1.
  • Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) Architecture: This design activates only the most relevant sub-networks (“experts”) for each query, drastically reducing computational load and energy consumption while boosting accuracy and speed.
  • Reinforcement Learning: The R1 model uses advanced reinforcement learning, enabling it to excel in reasoning and complex problem-solving.
  • Multimodal and Real-Time Capabilities: DeepSeek can process text, images, and potentially video, and is already used in real-time applications like traffic management in major Chinese cities.
  • Global Impact: DeepSeek’s models have topped app charts in multiple countries and are praised for matching or exceeding the performance of US-based AI models at a much lower price point.

DeepSeek’s disruptive approach has sent shock waves through the AI industry, challenging established players and democratizing access to high-performance AI.

DeepSeek’s Emergence: Where It Fits in the AI Timeline

DeepSeek’s rise began in 2023 and accelerated with the launch of its V3 and R1 models. Unlike many AI companies that rely on expensive, high-end GPUs, DeepSeek innovated by using a mix of available hardware and efficient training techniques, making advanced AI more accessible and affordable. Its open-source ethos and rapid technical progress have made DeepSeek a symbol of the new wave of global, community-driven AI.

Comparing DeepSeek Models: V3, R1, Janus Pro vs. Competition

DeepSeek offers multiple model variants, each optimized for specific use cases:

DeepSeek Model Variants

Model Parameters Primary Use Case Key Features
DeepSeek V3 67B General-purpose tasks High accuracy, multilingual support
DeepSeek R1 32B Research & experimentation Optimized for scientific reasoning
Janus Pro 1.3B Enterprise applications Enhanced security, faster inference

Performance Comparison

Metric DeepSeek V3 OpenAI GPT-4 Google Gemini Claude 3
Language Benchmarks 92.3% 89.7% 88.9% 90.1%
Code Generation 89.5% 87.2% 85.8% 86.9%
Reasoning Tasks 91.1% 88.4% 87.6% 89.3%
Response Time 0.3s 0.6s 0.5s 0.4s
Cost per 1M tokens $2.19 $60.00 $45.00 $55.00

These metrics demonstrate DeepSeek's competitive performance while offering significant cost advantages and transparency benefits.

What Makes DeepSeek Different? Training Approach, Code-Focus, and Performance

  • MoE Architecture: DeepSeek’s models activate only the required “experts” for each task, making them faster and more efficient than traditional dense models.
  • Code Specialization: DeepSeek-Coder models are trained on trillions of code tokens, outperforming even GPT-4 Turbo in software development tasks.
  • Massive Context Window: DeepSeek R1 can process up to 128,000 tokens in a single request, ideal for complex code reviews, legal analysis, and multi-step reasoning.
  • Affordability: With inference costs estimated at just 2% of OpenAI’s comparable models, DeepSeek is a game-changer for independent developers and businesses.

How to Access and Integrate DeepSeek: Web, API, and Local Deployment

  • Web Interface: Try DeepSeek instantly on its website—no installation needed. The interface lets you choose between generalist (V3) and reasoning (R1) models.
  • API Integration: Developers can embed DeepSeek into their apps and workflows via a robust, well-documented API. This supports both text and code applications.
  • Local Deployment: For privacy or advanced customization, DeepSeek can be run locally using tools like LMStudio or via its open weights on platforms like Hugging Face.

Sample API Usage (Python):
python
import requests
def query_deepseek(prompt, model="deepseek-v3"):
   response = requests.post(                                   "https://api.deepseek.com/v1/chat/completions",        
headers={"Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"},        
json={            
          "model": model,            
          "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]        
         }    
)    
return response.json()

Real-World Use Cases: Industry Applications and Success Stories

  • Traffic Management: Cities like Shenzhen and Chengdu use DeepSeek for real-time traffic optimization, reducing congestion and improving public transport.
  • Business Intelligence: Enterprises leverage DeepSeek for report summarization, data analysis, and customer feedback interpretation.
  • Software Development: DeepSeek-Coder powers code generation, debugging, and documentation across hundreds of programming languages.
  • Healthcare, Finance, and Education: Used for fraud detection, medical diagnostics, personalized learning, and more.

Why Learn DeepSeek? Career Benefits and Skills You’ll Gain

Mastering DeepSeek opens doors to high-demand roles in AI development, automation, and research. You’ll gain skills in:

  • Prompt Engineering: Crafting effective prompts for optimal AI responses.
  • API Integration: Embedding LLMs into apps and workflows.
  • Automation: Streamlining business processes with AI-driven tools.
  • Open-Source Collaboration: Customizing and extending AI models for unique needs.
  • Responsible AI: Navigating ethical, transparent, and secure AI use.

How to Get Started: A Structured Learning Path for DeepSeek Beginners

The explosion of open-source LLMs has made models like DeepSeek more accessible than ever—but also more complex to learn. Between different model variants, access methods, and use cases, it’s easy to get lost.

That’s why a structured DeepSeek course can make a world of difference.

Whether you're a developer, data analyst, or AI enthusiast, this DeepSeek Course on Coursera offers a guided pathway to understand, apply, and implement DeepSeek with confidence.

📽️ Watch the Introduction Video
Understand what the course covers, how it's structured, and why it's the best way to get started with DeepSeek AI.

Enroll Now

DeepSeek Essentials: From Foundations to Real-World Use

💡 Take the first step toward mastering open-source language models.

This beginner-friendly course is ideal for AI enthusiasts, developers, business users, and anyone looking to apply DeepSeek in real-world scenarios.

Course Highlights

  • Structured Learning: 2 modules, 26+ videos, readings, and assignments
  • Hands-On Projects: Real-world applications and quizzes for active learning
  • Flexible Format: 100% online, self-paced, with lifetime access
  • Industry-Recognized Certificate: Earn a credential from Board Infinity and Coursera

What You’ll Learn

  • Compare DeepSeek model variants (V3, R1, Janus Pro) with other leading LLMs
  • Access, deploy, and integrate DeepSeek via web, API, and local tools
  • Apply prompt engineering for both reasoning and code-generation tasks
  • Debunk common misconceptions about DeepSeek’s origin, cost, and privacy
  • Identify practical use cases and workflows that benefit from DeepSeek
  • Build confidence in real-world applications of open-source AI

Course Structure

Module 1: DeepSeek Fundamentals – Capabilities, Access, and Common Misconceptions

  • Introduction to DeepSeek and its impact
  • Core models overview and comparison
  • Innovations and differentiators
  • Access methods: web, API, local tools
  • Prompt engineering for general and reasoning models
  • Running DeepSeek locally
  • Addressing myths about DeepSeek
  • Assignments and quizzes

Module 2: DeepSeek Applications and Real-World Impact

  • DeepSeek vs. OpenAI: Transparency, access, and rights
  • Customizing DeepSeek and open-source collaboration
  • Case studies from business and research
  • Fine-tuning and tailoring DeepSeek for various needs
  • Real-world use cases and industry implementations
  • Practical quizzes and assignments

Who Should Enroll

  • Developers, data scientists, and analysts new to LLMs and Generative AI
  • Business leaders and managers seeking to implement AI solutions
  • Students and professionals aiming to future-proof their skillset

Ready to Start Your DeepSeek Journey?

DeepSeek is shaping the future of open-source AI. With this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to implement DeepSeek for performance, efficiency, and career growth.

👉 Enroll now in the DeepSeek course