What is Generative AI?
Generative AI (GenAI) is a family of artificial intelligence systems that are capable to produce new content (text, image, code, music, video etc.) based on the prompts you provide to them. Unlike conventional software which adheres to certain pre-set rules, GenAI learns from a massive dataset and uses that learning to create something new.
Think of it a bit like having a highly knowledgeable assistant who can write, draw, code, and solve problems, but instead of being human, it’s powered by sophisticated algorithms and machine learning.
Core Concepts Every Beginner Should Know
Large Language Models (LLMs)
These are AI systems trained on enormous amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like language. They power most text-based AI applications.
Neural Networks
The underlying technology that mimics how brain neurons work, allowing AI to learn and recognize patterns in data.
Training Data
The massive datasets (text, images, code, etc.) that AI systems learn from during their development.
Prompts
The instructions, questions, or requests you give to an AI system to get it to generate the content you want.
Tokens
How AI systems break down and process text—roughly equivalent to words or parts of words.
Major AI Platform Categories
1. Conversational AI Assistants
Claude (Anthropic)
- Strengths: Strong reasoning, coding, analysis, and creative writing
- Best for: Complex problem-solving, research, content creation
- Unique features: Large context window, artifact creation, web search capabilities
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- Strengths: Versatile conversational AI, coding, creative tasks
- Best for: General-purpose assistance, brainstorming, learning
- Unique features: Web browsing, image generation integration, custom GPTs
Gemini (Google)
- Strengths: Integration with Google services, multimodal capabilities
- Best for: Research, productivity, Google Workspace integration
- Unique features: Real-time information, Google service connectivity
Copilot (Microsoft)
- Strengths: Microsoft Office integration, web search
- Best for: Productivity tasks, research with current information
- Unique features: Built into Windows and Microsoft 365
*Copilot is ChatGPT under the hood 😉
Grok (X AI)
- Strengths: Real-time information access, image understanding, “rebellious” personality
- Best for: Current events, unfiltered discussions, creative tasks
- Unique features: Integration with X (Twitter), designed to “maximise truth and objectivity,” less restrictive than other AI assistants
2. Image Generation Platforms
DALL-E (OpenAI)
- Strengths: High-quality, creative image generation
- Best for: Artistic creation, marketing materials, concept visualisation
- Style: Tends toward polished, artistic outputs
Midjourney
- Strengths: Exceptional artistic quality, unique aesthetic styles
- Best for: Artistic projects, creative exploration, stylised imagery
- Style: Often produces highly artistic, sometimes surreal results
Stable Diffusion
- Strengths: Open-source, customisable, runs locally
- Best for: Technical users, custom fine-tuning, specific use cases
- Style: Highly versatile, depends on model version
Adobe Firefly
- Strengths: Commercial-safe training data, Creative Suite integration
- Best for: Professional design work, commercial projects
- Style: Clean, commercial-appropriate outputs
3. Code Generation Platforms
GitHub Copilot
- Strengths: Seamless IDE integration, context-aware suggestions
- Best for: Professional software development, coding assistance
- Languages: Supports virtually all programming languages
Replit AI
- Strengths: Web-based development environment with AI
- Best for: Learning to code, prototyping, collaborative coding
- Features: Full development environment with AI assistance
Tabnine
- Strengths: Privacy-focused, on-premises options
- Best for: Enterprise development, security-conscious organisations
- Features: Code completion with privacy controls
4. Specialised AI Platforms
Runway ML
- Focus: Video generation and editing
- Best for: Content creators, filmmakers, video professionals
- Features: Text-to-video, video editing AI tools
ElevenLabs
- Focus: Voice cloning and speech synthesis
- Best for: Voiceovers, podcasts, audio content creation
- Features: Realistic voice generation in multiple languages
Synthesia
- Focus: AI video avatars and presentations
- Best for: Corporate training, educational content, presentations
- Features: AI presenters speaking in multiple languages
Jasper
- Focus: Marketing and business content
- Best for: Marketing teams, content marketers, businesses
- Features: Brand voice consistency, marketing-specific templates
How to Choose the Right AI Platform
Consider Your Primary Use Case
For Writing and Research:
- Claude: Complex analysis, long-form content, coding
- ChatGPT: General writing, brainstorming, learning
- Gemini: Research with current information
For Visual Content:
- Midjourney: Artistic, creative imagery
- DALL-E: Balanced quality and ease of use
- Adobe Firefly: Commercial projects
For Coding:
- GitHub Copilot: Professional development
- Claude: Complex problem-solving and code review
- Replit: Learning and prototyping
Consider Your Technical Level
Beginner-Friendly:
- ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini (conversational AI)
- DALL-E, Midjourney (image generation)
- Simple web interfaces with clear prompting
Intermediate:
- Stable Diffusion with user interfaces
- GitHub Copilot
- Specialised platforms like Jasper or Synthesia
Advanced:
- Local Stable Diffusion installations
- API integrations
- Custom model fine-tuning
Getting Started: Best Practices
1. Start Simple
Begin with one platform that matches your primary need. Don’t try to learn everything at once.
2. Learn Effective Prompting
- Be specific and clear in your requests
- Provide context and examples
- Iterate and refine your prompts based on results
- Break complex tasks into smaller steps
3. Understand Limitations
- AI can make mistakes or “hallucinate” false information
- Always verify important information
- Understand usage policies and content restrictions
- Be aware of potential biases in AI outputs
4. Practice Regularly
- Experiment with different types of prompts
- Try various use cases within your chosen platform
- Learn from the community and online resources
Current Trends and Future Directions
Multimodal AI
AI systems that can understand and generate multiple types of content (text, images, audio, video) in a single interface.
Agent-Based AI
AI systems that can perform complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention.
Personalisation
AI platforms becoming better at understanding individual user preferences and styles.
Integration
AI capabilities being built into existing software and workflows rather than existing as separate platforms.
Democratisation
AI tools becoming more accessible to non-technical users through improved interfaces and lower costs.
Ethical Considerations and Best Practices
Transparency
- Disclose when content is AI-generated when sharing publicly (it helped me create this post).
- Understand the training data and potential biases of your chosen platforms
Intellectual Property
- Respect copyright and attribution requirements
- Understand the ownership rights of AI-generated content
- Don’t use AI to replicate someone else’s distinctive style without permission
Privacy and Security
- Be cautious about inputting sensitive personal or business information
- Understand how platforms store and use your data
- Consider privacy-focused alternatives when handling confidential information
Quality Control
- Always review and edit AI-generated content
- Fact-check important information
- Apply human judgement and expertise to AI outputs
Getting Started Recommendations
Choose Your First Platform
Pick one conversational AI (Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini) and spend time learning its interface and capabilities.
Learn Effective Prompting
Practice different prompting techniques and learn what works best for your use cases.
Explore Specialisation
Try a specialized platform relevant to your interests (image generation, coding, etc.).
Integration and Workflow
Figure out how to integrate AI tools into your existing work or creative processes.
Conclusion
Generative AI represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with technology and create content. While the landscape is rapidly evolving, understanding these core concepts and major platforms will give you a solid foundation to build upon. The key is to start with one platform, learn it well, and gradually expand your AI toolkit as your needs and skills develop.
Remember that AI is a powerful tool to augment human creativity and productivity, not replace human judgment and expertise. In my view, the most successful AI users combine the power of these platforms with their own knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
