Docs / Using PioneerChat / Starting a Conversation

Starting a Conversation

PioneerChat works much like other AI assistants you may have used - you ask a question and receive a helpful response. Here's how to get started.

Your First Message

To start chatting:

  1. Click in the text input area at the bottom of the screen
  2. Type your question or request
  3. Press Enter or click the send button

The AI will begin generating a response, which streams in real-time so you can start reading immediately.

Using Prompt Templates

Above the input area, you may see quick-select buttons for common tasks. These templates help you get started quickly:

  • Research Topic - Deep dive into a subject
  • Code Review - Analyse and improve code
  • Draft Document - Help writing documents

Click any template to pre-fill a prompt, then customise it to your needs.

Attaching Files

You can include files with your message to give the AI context:

  1. Click the attachment icon in the input area
  2. Select your file(s)
  3. Add your question about the file
  4. Send your message

You can also drag and drop files directly onto the chat window, or paste images from your clipboard.

See File Uploads for supported formats and limits.

Example Conversations

Simple Question

"What are the key points I should include in a project status report?"

Document Summary

[Attach PDF] "Please summarise this document, highlighting the main conclusions and any action items."

Data Analysis

[Attach Excel file] "Analyse the sales data in this spreadsheet and identify the top 5 performing products."

Writing Assistance

"Help me draft a professional email to a client explaining a project delay. Keep it apologetic but solution-focused."

Starting a New Chat

When you want to start a fresh conversation on a new topic:

  1. Click New Chat in the sidebar
  2. Your previous conversation is automatically saved
  3. Start typing your new question

Tip: Start a new chat when switching to an unrelated topic. This keeps conversations organised and ensures the AI doesn't confuse context between different tasks.

Continuing a Conversation

PioneerChat remembers the context of your conversation, so you can ask follow-up questions naturally:

You: "Explain the difference between TCP and UDP" AI: [Detailed explanation...] You: "Which one should I use for real-time video streaming?" AI: [Contextual answer referencing the previous explanation...]

The AI will understand "which one" refers to TCP and UDP from your previous exchange.

Context Limits

Each conversation has a context limit - the amount of information the AI can "remember" at once. As conversations grow longer, you'll see usage indicators:

  • 50% - Halfway through available context
  • 80% - Consider starting a new chat soon
  • 90%+ - Approaching the limit; older messages may be summarised

When you reach the limit, consider starting a new conversation or the system will automatically summarise earlier messages to make room.

Next: Tips for Effective Prompts →