Getting Started with DeepSeek API: Your First API Call

The DeepSeek API offers a powerful platform for developers looking to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their applications. Designed with compatibility in mind, the DeepSeek API mirrors the OpenAI API format, making it easier to transition and leverage existing tools and knowledge. This article will guide you through making your first API call to the DeepSeek API, equipping you with the essentials to start building intelligent applications.

Understanding DeepSeek's OpenAI Compatibility

One of the key advantages of DeepSeek API is its compatibility with the OpenAI API. This means you can potentially use the OpenAI SDK and other software already configured for OpenAI with minimal modifications.

Setting Up Your Environment: Essential Parameters

Before diving into the code, you need to set up your environment with the necessary parameters:

• base_url: This is the foundation of your API requests. Use https://api.deepseek.com as your base URL. For OpenAI compatibility, you can also use https://api.deepseek.com/v1.
• api_key: The key to accessing the DeepSeek API. Obtain yours by signing up and creating one at the DeepSeek Platform.

Making Your First API Call: Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to make your first API call using different programming languages. This example demonstrates a non-streaming request; you can easily enable streaming by setting the stream parameter to true.

• Using curl:

  curl https://api.deepseek.com/chat/completions \
       -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
       -H "Authorization: Bearer <DeepSeek API Key>" \
       -d '{
         "model": "deepseek-chat",
         "messages": [
           {"role": "system", "content": "You are a helpful assistant."},
           {"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}
         ],
         "stream": false
       }'
  

• Using Python (with OpenAI SDK):

  # Please install OpenAI SDK first: `pip3 install openai`
  from openai import OpenAI
  client = OpenAI(api_key="<DeepSeek API Key>", base_url="https://api.deepseek.com")
  
  response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="deepseek-chat",
    messages=[
      {"role": "system", "content": "You are a helpful assistant"},
      {"role": "user", "content": "Hello"},
    ],
    stream=False
  )
  
  print(response.choices[0].message.content)
  

• Using Node.js (with OpenAI SDK):

  // Please install OpenAI SDK first: `npm install openai`
  import OpenAI from "openai";
  
  const openai = new OpenAI({
    baseURL: 'https://api.deepseek.com',
    apiKey: '<DeepSeek API Key>'
  });
  
  async function main() {
    const completion = await openai.chat.completions.create({
      messages: [{ role: "system", content: "You are a helpful assistant." }],
      model: "deepseek-chat",
    });
    console.log(completion.choices[0].message.content);
  }
  
  main();
  

Key Considerations

• To interact with DeepSeek's reasoning model, DeepSeek-R1, specify model='deepseek-reasoner'. Learn more in the Reasoning Model Guide.
• Ensure you have the OpenAI SDK installed for Python and Node.js examples (pip3 install openai or npm install openai).
• Remember to replace <DeepSeek API Key> with your actual API key.

Exploring DeepSeek API Features

The DeepSeek API offers more than just basic chat functionalities. Here are a few areas worth exploring and relevant API guides:

• Models and Pricing: Understand different available models and their pricing structures. Check out the Models & Pricing page.
• Multi-round Conversation: For creating more engaging and sustained conversations, explore the Multi-round Conversation Guide.
• JSON Output: Learn how to structure your prompts to receive output in JSON format via the JSON Output Guide.
• Function calling: Enhance your AI models with function calling via the Function Calling Guide.

Staying Up-to-Date

The DeepSeek team regularly releases updates and new features. Stay informed through the News section and the Change Log.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues or have questions, DeepSeek provides several community channels. Consider checking out the FAQ.

• Email: (Note: The email link requires JavaScript to be enabled to reveal the address, refer to the original documentation).
• Discord: DeepSeek AI Discord
• Twitter: DeepSeek AI Twitter