# Article 01 — Ecosystem overview | [[02-diffusion_basics|Next]] AI image and video generation splits into **closed** and **open** ecosystems. The choice shapes your cost, setup burden, and how far you can push the results. ![[open_source_vs_closed_source#^closed-source]] The alternative flips those priorities entirely. ![[open_source_vs_closed_source#^open-source]] ## Tools you'll encounter Each path has its own tooling. Getting a feel for the landscape early prevents mid-project switching. ![[tools_platforms_overview#^overview]] ![[tools_platforms_overview#^blurring]] # If you're just getting started, go **closed source for speed**, **open source for control**. Either way, the generation logic underneath is the same as most modern tools are built on [[02-diffusion_basics|diffusion models (see article 2)]].