How to Use ChatGPT for Coding

Name: Matt Popovic

Published on 8/19/2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gradually etched itself into the daily lives of developers, and one such innovation is ChatGPT. In this article, we'll explore the use of ChatGPT in the programming realm.

ChatGPT in Coding

ChatGPT can be a valuable asset for coding, given its ability to understand and generate code snippets in various languages. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that it is not meant to replace programmers but to augment their capabilities. ChatGPT can be used for simple tasks like writing a function or even creating a rudimentary plugin. However, its effectiveness reduces when dealing with complex, larger-scale tasks.

Let's look at an example. Suppose we want ChatGPT to write a simple function in Python to add two numbers.

input_prompt = "Write a Python function that takes two integers as input and returns their sum."
response = chatGPT.generate(input_prompt)
print(response)

The response could be:

def add_two_numbers(a: int, b: int) -> int:
    return a + b

Understanding the Limitations of ChatGPT in Coding

Despite its potential, ChatGPT does have some limitations. It's not adept at understanding complex programming requirements or maintaining already-written code. Moreover, it lacks the ability to comprehend the nuances of specific or complex problems requiring deep experience. Nevertheless, these limitations shouldn't dissuade you from using ChatGPT in coding; they only highlight the need for human expertise.

Leveraging ChatGPT for Writing Code

The trick to getting the best out of ChatGPT for coding is to make your requests specific, concise, and detailed. For instance, instead of asking for a complete application, ask for a specific function or routine.

Consider the following request:

input_prompt = "Write a JavaScript function that toggles a div visibility on a webpage with div id 'myDiv'."
response = chatGPT.generate(input_prompt)
print(response)

The output might be:

function toggleVisibility() {
    var x = document.getElementById('myDiv');
    if (x.style.display === 'none') {
        x.style.display = 'block';
    } else {
        x.style.display = 'none';
    }
}

Exploring Libraries and Resources with ChatGPT

ChatGPT is particularly useful in exploring different libraries and resources. It can provide useful suggestions based on your requirements. For example:

input_prompt = "Tell me about some Python libraries I can use for machine learning."
response = chatGPT.generate(input_prompt)
print(response)

You may get a response outlining popular libraries like Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and others.

Generating Example Code with ChatGPT

Example code is a great starting point for any programming task, and ChatGPT shines in this aspect. However, remember that the generated code is a first draft and needs refinement and integration into your larger project.

input_prompt = "Write a SQL command to create a table named 'Employees' with fields 'ID', 'Name', 'Position', 'Salary'."
response = chatGPT.generate(input_prompt)
print(response)

The response might look like:

CREATE TABLE Employees (
    ID INT PRIMARY KEY
 
,
    Name VARCHAR(100),
    Position VARCHAR(100),
    Salary DECIMAL(10,2)
);

When used effectively, ChatGPT can be a fantastic tool in a developer's toolkit. As you begin to use ChatGPT for coding, remember to define your requests clearly, understand its limitations, and leverage it to generate code snippets and explore libraries. Happy coding!