Using LLM's

How to use a LLM ?

You can use a LLM in several ways, each with different benefits and use cases:

1. Web Interfaces & Applications - Easy to use, no setup required
2. API Integration - Programmatic access for applications
3. Local Installation - Full control and privacy

Comparison Table

Feature	Web Interfaces	API Integration	Local Installation
Ease of Use	✅ Very Easy	⚠️ Moderate	❌ Technical
Setup Time	✅ Instant	⚠️ Minutes	❌ Hours
Cost	⚠️ Free tiers + paid	❌ Pay-per-use	✅ One-time setup
Privacy	❌ Data sent externally	❌ Data sent externally	✅ Complete privacy
Customization	❌ Limited	⚠️ Moderate	✅ Full control
Internet Required	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No (after setup)
Performance	✅ Consistent	✅ Consistent	⚠️ Hardware dependent
Model Selection	❌ Provider limited	❌ Provider limited	✅ Compatible models
Scalability	✅ Handles high load	✅ Handles high load	❌ Not so easy
Best For	Casual use	Production applications	Privacy, learning

Web Interfaces & Applications

The easiest way to get started with LLMs is through web interfaces and applications. These require no setup and are immediately accessible.

Popular LLM Providers

• OpenAI: chat.openai.com
• Claude: claude.ai
• Gemini: gemini.google.com
• Perplexity: perplexity.ai

External API Integration

Using LLM APIs allows you to integrate AI capabilities directly into your applications. This approach offers programmatic access and is ideal for building AI-powered features.

OpenAI API Example

Authentication:

export OPENAI_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

Usage:

curl https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $OPENAI_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "model": "gpt-4",
    "messages": [
      {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Write a Python function to calculate fibonacci numbers"
      }
    ],
    "max_tokens": 500
  }'

Local API Integration

Running LLMs locally gives you full control, privacy, and no usage costs after initial setup. However, it requires more technical knowledge and computational resources.

Ollama

Official Docs

Ollama Site

The easiest way to run open source models locally.

Installation

With brew brew install ollama or direct download via Link

Usage

# List downloaded models
ollama list

# Download models
ollama pull llama3:latest

# Run models
ollama run llama3

API

Query the model via request

curl http://localhost:11434/api/generate -d '{
  "model": "llama3",
  "prompt": "Write a rock song!",
  "stream": false
}' | json_pp

Other Local Options

LM Studio

• Description: User-friendly GUI for running local models
• Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Features: Model management, chat interface, API server
• Website: lmstudio.ai