DS / AI FIELD GUIDE
A practical guide to using AI · Updated November 2026

Make AI work for you.

Discover useful AI advances. Follow practical tutorials. Try a reusable prompt. Find the right tool and learn how to subscribe—without getting lost in the hype.

Start learning ↗Compare subscriptions
01 / Learn by doing

Six useful skills. Real outcomes.

Choose an outcome and follow the steps. Start with a free plan before deciding whether a paid subscription is worth it.

BEGINNER · 10 MIN

Research with sources

Use an AI assistant to investigate a question and verify the answer using primary sources.

  1. Ask a specific question with location and date.
  2. Request cited sources and links to original documents.
  3. Open the original sources and check the crucial facts.
  4. Ask the assistant to separate known facts from speculation.
Use research prompt ↗
BEGINNER · 8 MIN

Draft and improve writing

Create a useful first draft, then specify the audience, tone and length. Review and edit before publishing.

  1. State the audience and goal.
  2. Provide your rough notes.
  3. Ask for a clear structure and alternative openings.
  4. Correct facts and personalize the result.
BEGINNER · 12 MIN

Generate an image

Describe the subject, composition, lighting and aspect ratio. Iterate on one element at a time.

  1. Choose a tool that offers image creation.
  2. Describe what should appear and what should not.
  3. Refine typography and composition.
  4. Check usage rights and factual accuracy.
BUILDER · 20 MIN

Build a mini web app

Ask for a functioning interface with accessible controls and tests—not just a screenshot.

  1. Describe features and acceptance criteria.
  2. Create a small app and run it locally.
  3. Test desktop, mobile and error cases.
  4. Review security before deployment.
Explore Copilot documentation ↗
BUILDER · 18 MIN

Use AI agents responsibly

Delegate multi-step tasks such as reviewing files or updating a project, while keeping approvals for consequential actions.

  1. Define a measurable goal.
  2. Limit tool permissions.
  3. Require a review before sensitive actions.
  4. Record results and rerun tests.
BEGINNER · 15 MIN

Analyze a spreadsheet

Upload a sample CSV or spreadsheet and ask for a summary, chart and anomalies.

  1. Remove personal or confidential information.
  2. Ask for a data dictionary and quality checks.
  3. Generate charts and explain assumptions.
  4. Validate key calculations.
02 / The tool map

Know what each tool does.

Product features and models change often. These links go to the providers' current official plan and product pages.

ChatGPT

Writing, reasoning, research, image creation, files and coding support.

FREE + PAID

Official plans ↗

Claude

Long-form analysis, drafting, coding, and projects with knowledge context.

FREE + PAID

Official plans ↗

Gemini

AI assistance and Google ecosystem workflows, with tier-dependent capabilities.

FREE + PAID

Official plans ↗

03 / Interactive workshop

Build a better prompt.

Choose a task and detail level. The generator produces a prompt you can copy and use in your preferred AI tool.

04 / Choose deliberately

Which subscription fits?

Answer two questions for a starting recommendation. This is independent educational guidance, not a reseller or checkout service. Verify exact pricing, country availability, tax and limits with the provider before buying.

Your main reason

A PLACE TO START

Start free with ChatGPT

Use the free option for real tasks before committing to a subscription.

See official plans ↗

Plan features and prices can change. AI app subscriptions generally do not include separately billed API usage. Never share passwords or billing information through unofficial links.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Four steps

  1. Open the provider's official pricing page above.
  2. Create or sign into your own account.
  3. Compare Free, individual and team plans, including limits and renewal terms.
  4. Choose a plan and complete payment only on the provider's own checkout.
BEFORE YOU PAY

Know what you're getting

  • Higher limits don't guarantee perfect answers.
  • Prices may differ by region, tax and billing channel.
  • Subscriptions and developer APIs can be billed separately.
  • Try your actual tasks first; upgrade only if usage or features justify it.
05 / Common questions

Answers that save time.

Do I need to pay to start learning AI?

No. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and GitHub Copilot offer entry-level access in supported locations. Availability and limits vary.

What is the difference between an AI chatbot and an API?

A chatbot is an application for people. An API lets developers integrate an AI model into software. The chatbot subscription generally does not include API usage charges.

Can AI agents operate my accounts?

Some products can connect to tools and perform authorized actions. Review permissions and require approval for sending messages, modifying records, payments, and other consequential changes.

Will this guide automatically update with new models and prices?

Not automatically. This editorial page links to provider-maintained release notes and plan pages for current details. This guide was reviewed in November 2026.

Where can I learn the Claude and YouTube workflow?

Read the Claude × YouTube integration guide for a focused tutorial.