I Was Wrong About ChatGPT Replacing Programmers

Tech With Tim
2 May 202308:52

TLDRThe speaker reflects on their initial skepticism about ChatGPT and shares their updated perspective after extensive use. They now utilize ChatGPT as a tool for scripting, code auditing, and performing repetitive tasks, akin to a low-level intern. Despite its limitations, such as occasional errors, the speaker is optimistic about future enhancements like plugins that could significantly improve code generation. They emphasize that while AI tools like ChatGPT are evolving, they do not foresee them replacing programmers but rather transforming the way programming work is done.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 The speaker initially had a misinformed opinion about ChatGPT but has since gained more experience using it.
  • 📝 The speaker now uses ChatGPT for scripting some of his videos and generating ideas for content.
  • 🧠 ChatGPT is utilized as a tool for efficiency, similar to a low-paid intern handling smaller, discrete tasks.
  • 🔍 The speaker uses ChatGPT for tasks such as writing unit tests, bug checking, and auditing code.
  • 📈 ChatGPT's code generation capabilities are praised, especially in popular programming languages like JavaScript and Python.
  • 🐞 Despite its usefulness, ChatGPT is not without errors and requires oversight and correction.
  • 🔄 The speaker highlights the limitations of ChatGPT in handling large applications and making architectural decisions.
  • 🔌 Upcoming plugins for ChatGPT could significantly enhance its capabilities by integrating with platforms like GitHub.
  • 🚀 The potential for ChatGPT to read entire codebases and suggest improvements is seen as a game changer.
  • 💼 The job market for programmers remains strong, with AI tools requiring human oversight and utilization.
  • 🌐 The rapid advancement of AI technologies is expected to change the way developers work and contribute to codebases.

Q & A

  • What was the speaker's initial opinion about ChatGPT when it was first released?

    -The speaker initially had a misinformed opinion about ChatGPT, believing it could replace programmers and not having strong arguments against such a possibility.

  • How has the speaker's experience with ChatGPT evolved over time?

    -The speaker's experience with ChatGPT has evolved significantly, as they have started using it in various contexts, such as scripting videos and delegating smaller programming tasks to the AI.

  • How does the speaker currently utilize ChatGPT in their programming work?

    -The speaker uses ChatGPT like a low-paid intern, delegating smaller, discrete tasks that can be described quickly, such as writing unit tests, auditing code, and generating small functions.

  • What are some limitations the speaker has observed in ChatGPT's code generation capabilities?

    -The speaker has noticed that ChatGPT can make mistakes in code generation, such as writing incorrect tests or syntax errors, and it may use obscure features that are not desired in the codebase.

  • How does the speaker see the future of ChatGPT and its impact on programming?

    -The speaker believes that the future of ChatGPT will involve plugins that can connect to various platforms like GitHub, which could significantly improve code generation and potentially change the way developers work.

  • What is the speaker's view on the impact of AI tools on programming jobs?

    -The speaker does not believe that AI tools will wipe out programming jobs. Instead, they think these tools will change the way developers work and contribute to codebases, with the potential for AI to review code and submit improvements.

  • How does the speaker suggest junior programmers should approach the rise of AI in their field?

    -The speaker advises junior programmers not to panic but to keep AI tools on their radar, learn how to use them effectively, and adapt to the changing landscape of programming.

  • What is the speaker's prediction for the potential features of ChatGPT in the near future?

    -The speaker predicts that ChatGPT will have plugins that allow it to connect to platforms like Google Sheets, Google Docs, and GitHub, which could lead to AI suggesting code improvements and even submitting pull requests.

  • How does the speaker describe the current state of programming jobs in the market?

    -The speaker has not observed a significant decrease in programming job listings and believes that companies still need programmers to use AI tools effectively.

  • What is the speaker's advice for programmers regarding the adoption of AI tools?

    -The speaker encourages programmers to adapt to the changes brought by AI tools, as they can improve efficiency and help reduce the skill gap between junior and senior developers.

  • What is the main takeaway from the speaker's video?

    -The main takeaway is that AI tools like ChatGPT are not likely to replace programmers but will change the way they work, and it is important for developers to adapt and learn how to utilize these tools effectively.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 Reflecting on Initial Misconceptions about ChatGPT

The speaker begins by acknowledging their initial misinformed opinions about ChatGPT when it was first released. They admit to not having much experience with the tool and not presenting strong arguments in their previous video. After gaining more experience using ChatGPT in various contexts, such as scripting videos and delegating smaller programming tasks, the speaker shares their updated perspective on the tool's potential and its impact on programming efficiency. They describe using ChatGPT like a low-paid intern, handling tasks that are quicker to describe than to code from scratch, such as writing unit tests, bug checks, and small functions. Despite its usefulness in code generation, the speaker notes that ChatGPT still makes mistakes and requires correction, highlighting the importance of human oversight in the coding process.

05:00

🚀 The Future of ChatGPT and its Integration with Development Tools

The speaker discusses the potential future developments for ChatGPT, including the possibility of plugins that could connect it with various platforms like Google Sheets, Google Docs, GitHub, and development environments. They express excitement over the potential for ChatGPT to read entire codebases and provide intelligent suggestions for code improvement and project management. The speaker anticipates that these advancements could significantly change the programming landscape, potentially automating more complex tasks and even submitting pull requests on GitHub. However, they also emphasize that despite these changes, there remains a strong demand for programmers who can effectively utilize and manage AI tools. The speaker reassures junior programmers that while the field is evolving, there is still a place for them, and they should focus on adapting and learning to use these new tools to enhance their skills and career prospects.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI, which is capable of generating human-like text based on the input it receives. In the video, the speaker initially had misconceptions about ChatGPT's capabilities but later realized its potential as a tool to assist in programming tasks, comparing its utility to that of a low-paid intern.

💡Misinformed

The term 'misinformed' refers to having incorrect or inaccurate information about a subject. The speaker admits to being misinformed about ChatGPT in a previous video, indicating a lack of understanding or experience with the tool at that time.

💡Programming

Programming is the process of creating software by writing code in a programming language. The video discusses the role of ChatGPT in programming, particularly in automating smaller tasks and aiding in code generation, thus potentially increasing efficiency for programmers.

💡AI

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. The video's main theme revolves around the application of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in the field of programming and its potential impact on the profession.

💡Code Generation

Code generation is the process of automatically producing computer code. In the context of the video, the speaker describes using ChatGPT for code generation, particularly for writing unit tests, refactoring code, and creating small functions, which helps streamline the programming process.

💡Unit Test

A unit test is a method of testing individual sections of code to determine if they are working correctly. The speaker in the video uses ChatGPT to write unit tests for code, treating the AI as an auditor to ensure the code is error-free and meets the specified requirements.

💡Refactoring

Refactoring is the process of restructuring existing computer code without changing its external behavior. The speaker mentions using ChatGPT to refactor messy or 'spaghetti code' into a cleaner, more efficient format, demonstrating the AI's capability to improve code quality.

💡Code Auditing

Code auditing involves reviewing and inspecting source code to identify potential errors, inefficiencies, or vulnerabilities. In the video, the speaker uses ChatGPT as a form of code auditing, leveraging its ability to reason and correct mistakes, thus enhancing the overall quality of the codebase.

💡Plug-ins

Plug-ins are software components that add specific functionality to an existing program. The speaker speculates about the potential for ChatGPT to have plug-ins that could connect with platforms like GitHub, which would significantly enhance its capabilities in code management and collaboration.

💡GitHub

GitHub is a web-based hosting service for version control using Git. It is a platform where developers share and collaborate on code. The video mentions the possibility of ChatGPT integrating with GitHub, which could revolutionize the way developers interact with their codebases and collaborate on projects.

💡Skill Gap

A skill gap refers to the difference in abilities or knowledge between individuals or groups. The speaker suggests that AI tools like ChatGPT could help reduce the skill gap in programming by enabling faster learning and providing assistance to those who are new to the field.

💡Adaptation

Adaptation is the process of adjusting to new conditions or changes. The video emphasizes that programmers will need to adapt to the evolving landscape of technology, where AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly integrated into the development process, changing how software is produced and maintained.

Highlights

The speaker admits to being wrong about ChatGPT in a previous video.

The speaker had a change of opinion after gaining more experience with ChatGPT.

ChatGPT has been used to script videos and generate ideas for content creation.

ChatGPT is also utilized from a programming standpoint for delegating smaller tasks.

ChatGPT is likened to a low-paid intern for handling discrete tasks quickly.

The speaker uses ChatGPT as an auditor for code, asking it to write unit tests and check for bugs.

ChatGPT is efficient in code generation, especially in popular programming languages like JavaScript and Python.

ChatGPT occasionally makes mistakes, but can correct them when informed of errors.

The speaker refactors messy code with ChatGPT's help.

ChatGPT currently lacks the capability to handle large applications with complex systems and integrations.

ChatGPT requires specific instructions and cannot fully understand a system on its own.

Rumors suggest that ChatGPT will have plugins to connect with platforms like Google Sheets, Google Docs, and GitHub.

The integration with GitHub could allow ChatGPT to suggest code improvements and submit pull requests.

The speaker believes that AI tools like ChatGPT will not replace programmers but will change the way they work.

AI tools require programmers to operate and interpret their outputs effectively.

The job market for programmers remains strong despite the advent of AI tools.

AI tools could help junior programmers learn faster and reduce the skill gap.

Adapting to AI tools is necessary for the future of programming and software production.