Which AI tool do I need to get started?

To get started, you need one AI assistant and your project documents. You can add more tools later.

What the book uses

• Claude (Sonnet and Opus) is the book's primary tool for building your Project Brain, planning, visuals, meetings, and reports.
• Google Gemini is used for deep research and large-context analysis, as part of a multi-AI strategy.
• ChatGPT is also referenced.

If you want to follow the book as closely as possible, start with Claude.

What you don't need on day one

• VS Code, Claude Code, Python, or MCP servers. These appear only in the technical chapters (11–13). See Do I need coding skills to use this material?
• Several paid subscriptions. One assistant is enough to learn the approach. Plans and limits change, so check the provider's current pricing page, and see Do I need a paid AI subscription?
• Meeting transcription tools. Tools such as Otter.ai or Fireflies.ai help with meeting processing but aren't required to start.

Your first steps

1. Pick an assistant and create an account with that provider.
2. Gather a few core documents for one project, such as the charter, schedule, and stakeholder list.
3. Give them to the assistant and ask a question you'd normally have to explain from scratch.

That's the start of a Project Brain. How do I set up a Claude Project for my project? walks through it.

Comparing options

For a side-by-side look, read Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini: which should a PM use? and the blog article Don't know which AI model to use for what task.