Artificial intelligence continues to transform the tech landscape, and one of the latest innovations making waves is DeepSeek-R1, a cutting-edge open-source large language model. Recently, DeepSeek-R1 has captured global attention, topping charts on Apple’s App Store and sparking discussions among AI researchers and developers alike. But beyond the hype, how does DeepSeek-R1 perform when it comes to coding? Let’s dive in and explore its capabilities.
Why Try DeepSeek-R1 for Coding?
DeepSeek-R1 has gained immense popularity for its versatility and advanced AI capabilities. While many developers are discussing its potential, the best way to understand its true power is by trying it yourself. Thanks to Zed, a next-generation open-source code editor, integrating DeepSeek-R1 into your workflow is easier than ever.
How to Get Started with DeepSeek-R1 in Zed
Follow these three quick steps to start using DeepSeek-R1 in Zed:
- Download Zed
Begin by downloading Zed, an innovative code editor designed for seamless integration with AI models like DeepSeek-R1. - Add a DeepSeek API Key
Open the configuration settings in Zed’s Command Palette and add your DeepSeek API key. - Select DeepSeek Chat from the Model Dropdown
Navigate to the Model dropdown menu and choose “DeepSeek Chat.” Alternatively, you can opt for “DeepSeek Reasoner,” which may provide more detailed responses but operates at a slower pace.
Once these steps are complete, you’re ready to test DeepSeek-R1 on your own codebase. For additional guidance, refer to Zed’s Assistant documentation.
Running DeepSeek-R1 Locally
If you prefer running DeepSeek-R1 on your local machine instead of relying on cloud-based solutions, that’s entirely possible. Here’s how:
- Run one of the available DeepSeek-R1 models on Ollama locally.
- Configure Ollama within Zed.
- Select your desired model from the Model dropdown menu in Zed.
This approach allows you to experiment with multiple Ollama models beyond just those from DeepSeek.
Community Contributions: The Secret Behind Quick Integration
The rapid integration of DeepSeek-R1 into Zed wouldn’t have been possible without contributions from the open-source community. A special thanks goes out to @Cupnfish, who submitted a pull request shortly after R1’s announcement. This collaborative effort ensured that developers could access this powerful tool almost immediately.
Why Choose Zed as Your Code Editor?
For those unfamiliar with Zed, it’s more than just another code editor—it’s a next-generation platform designed with developers in mind. As an open-source tool, it supports numerous AI models alongside DeepSeek-R1, making it an excellent choice for comparing different options and optimizing workflows.
Next Steps: Explore More Features
Now that you’ve set up DeepSeek-R1 in Zed, take some time to explore its full potential. Start by checking out Zed’s Getting Started tutorial or experimenting with other supported models to find the best fit for your coding needs.
DeepSeek-R1 represents a significant leap forward in AI-driven development tools. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, integrating it into your workflow can unlock new possibilities and streamline your coding process.
Read more such articles from our Newsletter here.
