Skip to content

Understanding AI Basics

"The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That's funny...'" Isaac Asimov

Before we dive into advanced techniques, let's ensure we're all on the same page with some foundational concepts.

What are AI, LLMs, and Generative AI?

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Imagine teaching a computer to think and learn like a human. That's AI! It's about machines doing smart things, like understanding what you say, recognizing faces, or solving tricky problems.

  • Large Language Models (LLMs): Think of an LLM as a super-smart language expert who has read almost everything ever written—books, articles, conversations. Because of this massive reading, LLMs like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are incredibly good at understanding your questions and generating human-like text. They can write stories, answer questions, summarize complex topics, and even hold conversations.

  • Generative AI: This is the exciting part! Generative AI isn't just about finding existing information; it's about creating something entirely new. Whether it's writing a fresh email, brainstorming unique ideas, or even designing an image, generative AI uses what it has learned to produce original content. It's like having a creative assistant who can whip up something new on demand!

The Prompt: Your Instructions to the AI

You're used to typing a "search query" into Google: "community garden ideas" or "how to grow tomatoes." A search engine's job is to point you to existing information – articles, websites, and videos.

A prompt is fundamentally different. It's like giving detailed, precise instructions to a very capable and knowledgeable assistant. You're not just asking for existing information; you're directing the AI to perform a specific task, create something new, analyze data, or help you think through a problem.

Consider the difference:

If you use a search query:

"beginner gardening tips"

You get a list of websites about gardening tips.

If you use a prompt (for Generative AI)

Alex asks Cortex:

Act as an expert botanist and a friendly community educator. I'm creating a flyer for a new community garden workshop aimed at absolute beginners. Generate a list of 5 encouraging and simple bullet points for the flyer that highlight the key benefits of attending. The tone should be welcoming and not intimidating.

You get five custom-written bullet points, perfectly tailored for your flyer, in the right tone, and from the perspective of an expert.

Real answer from ChatGPT

Here are 5 welcoming and beginner-friendly bullet points you can use for your community garden workshop flyer:

  • 🌱 No green thumb needed! We’ll start with the absolute basics—perfect for total beginners.
  • 🌞 Grow your own food and enjoy fresh herbs, veggies, and fruits from your own hands.
  • 🌼 Connect with nature and learn how gardening boosts well-being, step by step.
  • 👩‍🌾 Meet your neighbors and join a friendly group that shares tips, tools, and laughs.
  • 💧 Hands-on & fun! Learn by doing in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.

Let me know if you’d like a version for kids, families, or a different theme!

See how Alex's prompt provides a role for Cortex, the context (a flyer for beginners), specific requirements (5 bullet points), and a desired tone? This level of detail guides the AI's creative and analytical abilities to produce exactly what you need. It's why we talk about "prompt engineering" – you're engineering the AI's response by crafting precise, thoughtful instructions. The more clearly and completely you communicate your intent, the better Cortex can assist you, transforming it from a mere search tool into a true copilot.