DeepSeek tutorial: setup, strengths, costs, mistakes, prompts
One lesson in tabs. Facts come from the official page; where it blocked us, we say so.
Setup
Use official channels only
The official site and app, or the API documented at api-docs.deepseek.com.
Read the privacy policy
Before sharing anything personal or business-sensitive.
Good & bad at
Good at
- Reasoning and code tasks people commonly use it for
Careful with
- Sensitive data: decide based on its privacy policy and your obligations
- Copycat apps using the name
Cost control
API pricing
Per-token and changes often, so we don't copy it. Check the official docs page.
Common mistakes
Downloading unofficial apps
Get it from the official store listing linked from the official site.
Prompt examples
Step-by-step reasoning
"Solve this, show each step, and check the answer by plugging it back in: …"
Official facts
DeepSeek publishes API pricing in its docs at api-docs.deepseek.com. We didn't copy prices here because they're listed per token and change often.
Steps: 1) Use the official site or app only. 2) Read the privacy policy before you share personal data.
Source: https://api-docs.deepseek.com/quick_start/pricing. Checked Oct 28, 2026 against the official pages linked here. Plans change, so confirm on the official page before you pay.