Choose the right AI
Which model for which job, when a chat window is enough vs when to reach for a coding agent, and when the paid tier actually pays off.
Which AI model should you use? A practical guide
Claude vs ChatGPT vs Gemini vs open models — by the task you are actually doing, not by benchmark. How to think about the model tiers (fast/cheap vs frontier), and a default-pick framework that survives the next model release.
Chat window or coding agent? When to reach for which
A chat model answers questions; a coding agent does the work in your files and terminal. When a chat window is enough, when you need an agent, and the failure mode of using the heavy tool for a light job.
Free vs paid AI: when the upgrade actually pays off
What you give up on the free tier — model access, rate limits, context, tool use — and the concrete signals that you have outgrown it. How to tell whether to pay for a subscription, the API, or both.
Build with AI
Now that you know which model and tier to use, put it to work — vibe coding, code review, and shipping real software.