Build Anything with Perplexity, Here’s How

Introduction

Hi, I'm David Andre, and today I'm going to show you how to build anything using Perplexity. If you're not familiar, Perplexity is an AI tool that specializes in web search. This allows it to answer complex queries by leveraging a large language model (LLM) to search the web. For example, you can ask Perplexity to "tell me about Elon Musk and Yan Leon Twitter brief," and it will provide you with an answer compiled from various sources on the web.

In this tutorial, I'll guide you through using Perplexity to build a simple productivity Chrome extension, even if you aren't a programmer.

Why Use Perplexity?

While it's true that ChatGPT also offers web search capabilities, Perplexity operates on a whole different level. For example, when searching for information, ChatGPT may only pull from three sites, while Perplexity goes through up to 20 different websites, providing a more comprehensive view. Additionally, with Perplexity Pro, you can choose which LLM to use, making it a preferred tool for many programmers. For one subscription, you get access to various powerful AI tools, making it a fantastic value.

Choosing a Project

To start, I asked Perplexity to list 10 types of cool projects I could build, assuming I was not a programmer. Using the writing mode of Perplexity, I narrowed down my options. I eventually decided on building a simple productivity Chrome extension that lets you choose between going to your task list or continuing to a distracting site.

Getting Started with Perplexity

I began with an empty Python project, but of course, for a Chrome extension, you'll need HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Using Perplexity, I had the LLM guide me step-by-step:

Step 1: Create the Manifest File — I created a manifest.json file in my VS Code project.
Step 2: Create the Popup HTML File — Named popup.html, this file contained the basic structure for the popup.
Step 3: Add JavaScript — The popup.js file was set up to handle button clicks.
Step 4: Add CSS — The style.css file styled the elements for better visual appeal.

For images, I even asked Perplexity to generate simple icons for the extension, which I then resized using Photoshop.

Testing and Debugging

Testing was relatively straightforward:

Open the Chrome Extensions page, enable Developer Mode, and load the unpacked directory containing the extension files.
Pin the extension for ease of access during testing.
Interact with the extension to ensure it functions correctly.

Initially, my extension didn’t work as expected; I had to tweak the JavaScript file and adjust the CSS. But no worries—Perplexity helped me debug the issues.

Final Touches and Improvements

To improve the functionality, I asked Perplexity to ensure the extension works both for Twitter and X.com. Additionally, I requested the extension to take up the entire screen before the site even loads, making it impossible to scroll while distracted.

All these changes were tested and verified. Finally, I had a fully functioning productivity Chrome extension built with the help of Perplexity, all in under an hour!

Conclusion

This project demonstrated how powerful and versatile Perplexity is. Whether for programming or general queries, having this tool can save a massive amount of time and effort. If you found this tutorial valuable, please consider subscribing. If you want the code for the extension, you can find it in the description below.

Keywords

Perplexity AI
Chrome Extension
Productivity tools
No-code development
Large Language Model (LLM)
Debugging with AI
CLA free Opus
JavaScript
Web Search

FAQs

1. What is Perplexity?

Perplexity is an AI tool specializing in web search, which leverages a large language model (LLM) to gather information from multiple online sources.

2. Can I use Perplexity if I'm not a programmer?

Absolutely. This tutorial demonstrates how even non-programmers can build functional projects like a Chrome extension using Perplexity.

3. How many sources does Perplexity search through?

Perplexity can sift through up to 20 different websites, providing a comprehensive answer compared to other tools like ChatGPT.

4. What are some scenarios where Perplexity is useful?

Perplexity is excellent for automating tasks, generating code snippets, conducting comprehensive web searches, and even generating images.

5. What should I do if my project doesn’t work as expected?

Use Perplexity to debug. Describe the issue in detail, and Perplexity can provide troubleshooting steps and code fixes.

6. Is Perplexity a cost-effective tool?

Yes, with one subscription, you get access to various powerful AI tools, making it highly cost-effective for programmers and non-programmers alike.

7. Can Perplexity generate images?

Yes, Perplexity has a feature to generate images, which can be especially helpful for creating icons and other visual elements required in projects like Chrome extensions.

8. How does Perplexity compare to ChatGPT in terms of functionality?

While ChatGPT also offers web search, Perplexity provides more comprehensive results and allows users to choose between different LLMs, making it a more versatile tool.

9. How can I test my Chrome extension?

Enable Developer Mode on Chrome's Extensions page, load the unpacked extension, and pin it for easy access during testing. Follow the steps to interact with the extension and verify its functionality.

10. Can I customize the appearance of my extension further?

Yes, you can customize your extension by modifying the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to better suit your needs and preferences. Perplexity can guide you through any specific changes you want to make.