Getting Started With AI Tools

Start with the job, not the model

The fastest way to waste time with AI tools is to start by asking which model is best. Start with the work:

• Do you need answers and drafting?
• Do you need help writing code?
• Do you need to automate a workflow?
• Do you need images or video?

Fast decision tree

• Use ChatGPT or Claude Desktop for writing, planning, summarizing, and working with documents.
• Use Perplexity when current information and citations matter more than creative drafting.
• Use Cursor, Claude Code, or OpenAI Codex for software work.
• Use Replit, Lovable, or Base44 when the goal is a fast app prototype without coding.
• Use n8n or Make when the goal is automation across tools.
• Use ChatGPT Image Gen, Nano Banana, Kling, Google Veo, Higgsfield, or OpenAI Sora for images and video.

First-week success plan

1. Pick one real task from your current week.
2. Run the task in one tool and save the output.
3. Review what worked, what failed, and what needed human cleanup.
4. Repeat the same task once more with a better prompt or setup.

Common mistakes

• Switching tools every day before you understand one workflow.
• Using AI on vague prompts without source material or constraints.
• Treating the first output as final.
• Skipping review on code, automation, pricing, or client-facing copy.

Next steps

• Browse /tools and choose one tool page with a full quickstart.
• Use the Simple and Technical toggle to align the guide depth to your role.
• Save the best prompts and steps from your first working flow.