This video argues that using AI through browser-based applications is an inefficient and disorganized method. The core message is that leveraging AI via terminal-based command-line interfaces (CLIs) is a ‘superpower’ that offers significantly more speed, control, and power over your projects by integrating directly with your local file system.
The Problem with Browser-Based AI
Working with AI in a browser often leads to a disorganized mess. Projects become scattered across numerous chat sessions, AI models frequently lose context, and users waste time copying and pasting information between the AI chat and their local notes or project files. This fragmented process hinders productivity and makes managing complex projects difficult.
The Terminal Advantage: Gemini & Claude
The video demonstrates how terminal-based tools for AI models like Gemini and Claude solve these problems:
- Direct File Access: Terminal AIs can read and write files directly on your computer. This eliminates the need for manual copy-pasting and allows the AI to create documents, read your notes, or even run scripts as part of its workflow.
- Persistent Context: These tools create a context file (e.g., `gemini.md` or `claude.md`) within your project directory. This file summarizes the project’s goals, progress, and key decisions. When you start a new session, the AI reads this file, instantly understanding the context without needing you to re-explain everything.
- Claude Code’s Advanced Features: Presented as a particularly powerful tool (requiring a Claude Pro subscription), Claude Code introduces game-changing features like:
- Agents: You can create specialized sub-agents for specific tasks (e.g., a researcher, a critic). When you delegate a task, a new agent is deployed with a fresh context window, which prevents your main conversation from becoming bloated and allows for parallel processing of multiple tasks.
- Output Styles: Users can define custom personas or system prompts to control how Claude responds, tailoring it to specific needs like scriptwriting or technical analysis.
Advanced Workflows and Key Takeaways
The true power is unlocked when you combine multiple AI tools. The speaker demonstrates using Gemini, Claude, and Codex (ChatGPT) simultaneously on the same project folder. Because they all access the same local files and context files, they can work together, allowing you to leverage the unique strengths of each model without ever leaving the terminal. The speaker also introduces Open Code, an open-source alternative that can connect to various models, including local ones.
The ultimate conclusion is that moving your AI work to the terminal puts you back in control. Your projects, context, and files reside on your hard drive, freeing you from vendor lock-in and allowing you to use the best AI for the job. This method enables you to build powerful, custom workflows that are faster, more organized, and feel like a superpower.
Mentoring question
Considering your most frequent work-related tasks, how could you design a custom AI ‘agent’ or a specific ‘output style’ to automate, critique, or streamline that process?
Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=MsQACpcuTkU&si=CqTWMfugHvXH1tNl
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