What is Perplexity?
Perplexity is an AI-powered answer and research product. Its interface is designed to help users ask questions and inspect sources linked to generated responses.
Key capabilities
- Search-oriented question answering with source links.
- Follow-up questions to narrow or deepen a research question.
- Research and file-related features depending on current plan and product configuration.
- Useful starting point for gathering a source list and building a research outline.
Benefits
Source links can make it faster to inspect where an answer came from, compared with a response that provides no citations.
Limitations
- A citation does not guarantee the linked source supports the exact claim; open and verify it.
- Search coverage, model choice, quotas and advanced research features can differ by plan.
- Use primary sources for legal, medical, financial and other high-stakes questions.
Research prompt
Research [question] for [purpose]. Prioritise primary sources and official documentation. For each major claim, provide the source title, date, link and the exact claim it supports. Separate facts, expert interpretation and unresolved questions. Tell me when evidence is insufficient.Example prompts
- “Compare the official documentation for [A] and [B]. List differences, dates and source links.”
- “Find the latest official guidance on [topic]. Distinguish publication date from the date the rule took effect.”
- “Build a balanced research brief with evidence for, evidence against and open questions.”
Best practice
Use the tool to discover sources, then inspect the original pages and record when you checked them. Never treat a generated answer as a substitute for source review.