DeepSeek-R1: Revolutionizing AI with Reinforcement Learning

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, one model has taken the spotlight: DeepSeek-R1. Launched just 10 days ago, it has already become the number one app on the App Store, sparking conversations and making waves in the AI community. This in-depth guide explores what DeepSeek-R1 is, why it’s better than ChatGPT, how to use it, and its potential applications.

What is DeepSeek-R1?

DeepSeek-R1 is a reasoning model recently launched from China that has quickly become a favorite among AI enthusiasts. Unlike ChatGPT, which was trained through supervised fine-tuning, DeepSeek-R1 uses reinforcement learning. This method allows the model to learn and improve by trying different actions and evaluating their outcomes, much like a newborn baby learning to walk or a person learning to ride a bicycle.

Reinforcement learning enables DeepSeek-R1 to think multiple times about a solution, reevaluating its answers to provide more accurate and reliable responses. This process, combined with distillation, allows DeepSeek-R1 to be used on smaller devices with lesser specifications, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Why DeepSeek-R1 is Better than ChatGPT

1. Free and High Performance: DeepSeek-R1 is completely free and offers performance on par with OpenAI’s GPT-4, which costs over $200 per month.
2. Transparent Thinking: DeepSeek-R1 shows its thinking process, making it an excellent tool for learning and understanding complex concepts.
3. Open Source: DeepSeek-R1 is open source, allowing users to run it locally and customize it for specific needs.
4. Efficient Prompt Engineering: With DeepSeek-R1, you don’t need to master prompt engineering. The model evaluates and re-evaluates its answers, providing better responses with simpler prompts.
5. Cost-Effective API: The API cost of using DeepSeek-R1 is 27 times cheaper than that of GPT-4, making it an attractive option for companies looking to save on costs.

Shortcomings of DeepSeek-R1

1. Data Privacy: Data queried on DeepSeek-R1’s chat feature is stored in the People’s Republic of China, raising concerns about data privacy.
2. Creative Writing: DeepSeek-R1 is not great with creative writing, as it is primarily a reasoning model optimized for logic, math, science, and coding.
3. Censorship: DeepSeek-R1 has a censorship problem, especially when asked about sensitive topics related to China.

Tutorial Guide: Using DeepSeek-R1

Online Usage

1. Visit chat.deepseek.com and create a free account.
2. Enable the DeepSeek-R1 model and the real-time web search feature.
3. Ask questions related to math, science, coding, or any other topic.
4. Observe the model’s thinking process and evaluate its answers.

Example: Math Question

Ask DeepSeek-R1, “What’s the differential of 1 by X?” The model will think about the question, evaluate different approaches, and provide a detailed answer, showing its thinking process.

Example: Coding

Ask DeepSeek-R1 to build a single-person space arcade game in Python. The model will create lists of tasks, write the code, and even modify it based on your feedback.

Running DeepSeek-R1 Locally

1. Download and install OLLAMA from ollama.com.
2. Download the distilled DeepSeek-R1 model (8 billion parameters) from the OLLAMA website.
3. Run the model locally using the terminal or a user-friendly UI like AnythingLLM.
4. Ask questions and observe the model’s thinking process locally on your system.

DeepSeek-R1 in Perplexity

Combine the power of Perplexity with DeepSeek-R1’s reasoning capabilities to get real-time insights and analysis.

Example: AI Business Ideas

1. Go to perplexity.ai and create an account.
2. Click on “Try DeepSeek-R1” and select “Reasoning with R1.”
3. Ask, “Search the web in real-time for the latest news in AI and use R1’s reasoning capabilities to analyze the best ideas to start an AI business today in 2025.”
4. Get insights and analysis based on real-time data and DeepSeek-R1’s reasoning.

DeepSeek API and Automation

1. Go to openrouter.ai and create an API key for DeepSeek-R1.
2. Use the API key to build applications, automate tasks, or create AI agents.
3. Explore platforms like Make.com to create automations using DeepSeek-R1’s API.

Creating AI Agents with DeepSeek-R1

1. Use BrowserUse, an open-source framework, to create AI agents without relying on OpenAI’s Operator.
2. Hook up BrowserUse with an OpenRouter API key to build AI agents powered by DeepSeek-R1.
3. Create agents to automate tasks like booking flights, ordering food, or managing customer experiences.

Making DeepSeek Your Coding Assistant

1. Install extensions like Cent in Visual Studio Code.
2. Attach an OpenRouter API key to get access to DeepSeek-R1.
3. Use DeepSeek-R1 as a coding assistant in your Visual Studio Code environment.

Conclusion

DeepSeek-R1 is a revolutionary AI model that offers free, high-performance reasoning capabilities. With its transparent thinking process, open-source nature, and cost-effective API, it provides a powerful alternative to ChatGPT. Whether you’re using it for learning, coding, or automation, DeepSeek-R1 has the potential to transform the way we interact with AI.