Build Anything with Perplexity, Here’s How

David Andre introduces Perplexity, an AI tool specializing in web search. Unlike other AI tools, Perplexity utilizes a large language model (LLM) with web search capabilities, allowing it to gather information from multiple sources. David demonstrates Perplexity's ability to access a wide range of websites, showcasing its depth compared to other AI tools. He emphasizes the versatility of Perplexity, which can be used with different LLMs for various tasks like coding and debugging. The video aims to guide viewers, even non-programmers, on using Perplexity to build projects, starting with generating ideas for cool projects that can be executed.

David outlines the process of creating a productivity Chrome extension using Perplexity. He discusses the extension's functionality, which prompts users with a choice between visiting a distracting site and going to their task list. The video details the steps to set up the extension's project directory in VS Code, create a 'manifest.json' file, and write the necessary HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. David highlights Perplexity's ability to provide step-by-step guidance, even for beginners with no prior experience in programming, to build functional Chrome extensions.

The focus shifts to designing the user interface of the Chrome extension. David discusses the creation of a minimalist icon for the extension and the importance of having a simple and effective design. He demonstrates how to generate image assets for the extension using Perplexity and then uses Photoshop to create the required icon sizes. The video emphasizes the ease of creating visual elements for the extension, even without professional design skills, thanks to the AI's capabilities.

David provides a step-by-step guide on how to test the newly created Chrome extension. He explains the process of loading the extension in Chrome, enabling developer mode, and using the 'load unpacked' feature. The video shows how to interact with the extension and verify its functionality. David also addresses issues that arise during testing, such as the extension not working as expected, and demonstrates how to use Perplexity to troubleshoot and resolve these issues.

The video continues with David making final adjustments to the extension. He renames the extension for personalization and tests its functionality on Twitter. Despite initial failures, David uses Perplexity to analyze and modify the JavaScript code to ensure the extension works correctly. The video concludes with a successful test, demonstrating the extension's ability to redirect users from Twitter to a productivity-focused task list.

David encounters a limitation where the extension only works when manually activated. He seeks to improve the extension so that it automatically takes up the entire screen upon visiting specific sites, preventing access to distractions. The video shows how David uses Perplexity to analyze the issue, make necessary code changes, and update the extension's functionality. Despite some trial and error, the extension eventually meets the desired functionality.

In the final stages of development, David focuses on perfecting the extension's user interface. He implements a full black background to prevent any visibility of the distracting site, ensuring the extension's effectiveness. After making the necessary CSS changes and reloading the extension, David tests it and confirms its success. The video wraps up with David expressing satisfaction with the extension and encouraging viewers to use Perplexity for their projects, regardless of their coding expertise.