Learning how to use AI in coding can help developers shorten their project timelines and stay ahead of innovations shaking up the computer science industry. Algorithms like ChatGPT have many uses in programming, but debugging is already the most popular.
Developers can use AI in two main ways — generating code and analysing it. Most AI coding tools available today focus on helping developers find and resolve bugs more efficiently. It’s possible to create original code with AI, but most models can only generate small chunks, not complete programs.
You can use a variety of generative AI models in coding, such as ChatGPT or GitHub’s Copilot AI. Getting good results out of the software requires understanding how to write high-quality prompts. There are plenty of ready-to-use ChatGPT coding prompts out there today that can get you started with most basic coding questions.
For instance, you can copy a section of code that’s getting flagged for a bug. Paste it into ChatGPT and ask the AI to find the bug in the code. It helps to mention what the section of code is supposed to accomplish and what language you are coding in briefly. You can also ask the AI follow-up questions since it remembers previous queries within the same chat session.
You can also use AI to explain complex topics and help you brainstorm ideas for your program. These features are especially useful for beginner coders. ChatGPT and similar models can effectively act as a private tutor and research buddy, helping you quickly understand new coding concepts and syntax.
Finally, you can use AI to help you write code. Most models are still limited in this functionality, but it’s possible. For instance, ChatGPT can write snippets of code for you if you tell it what language you’re using and what you need the code to do. The results can vary somewhat, but the code ChatGPT delivers is usually functional. With the right prompts, you can virtually piece together an entire program without typing much code.
Benefits of AI coding assistants
Is using AI in coding worth it? The use cases for generative AI in programming may come in handy, but some coders may also wonder what the benefits of working with AI are. After all, if you already know how to code, why bother having an algorithm do it for you? There are a few interesting benefits of this tech worth considering.
Adapting to Change: Computer science is constantly evolving and changing. If you want to find long-term success in this field, you must embrace new technologies. Adding AI to your workflow will help you adapt to the major changes emerging in the industry today.
While AI certainly still has issues to iron out, the reality is programmers are already starting to use it and it’s giving them an edge. As computer scientist Aaron Selle points out, “If you are in a technology career, only one thing is certain — the technology is going to change. The very rules of the game you base your decisions on are going to change.”
AI is changing the game in programming, but it won’t replace developers any time soon. However, it’s transforming the way developers work and will quickly reshape what clients, managers and leaders expect from them. For instance, since AI improves efficiency, clients may start expecting faster turnaround times. Adopting this technology now is crucial to stay in the game.
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Rapid, Efficient Coding: The biggest practical benefit of AI in coding is efficiency. Using an AI assistant can help you complete programs much faster than you would on your own or even with another person’s help.
If you’re wondering how to use AI in coding, start with debugging and you’ll see right away how it can cut down project timelines. You don’t have to wait for a co-worker to proofread your code. Instead, you can simply ask ChatGPT to find bugs for you and resolve them right away.
You can also automate parts of the coding process by having ChatGPT generate chunks of code. Even a beginner can build a complete program in a matter of hours or days with the help of an AI. Automating the debugging process can eliminate lengthy delays spent scanning over code for minuscule errors.
Learning and career development: Finally, learning how to use AI in coding can help you build your computer science skills and advance your career. This is particularly true for beginner coders. Of course, it’s important to understand how coding languages work without having an AI simply write all your code for you. However, AI chatbots can still be helpful research assistants.
Potential Risks of AI in Coding
While there are many benefits of using AI to write and debug code, there are also a few risks worth mentioning. For example, AI can share inaccurate information from time to time. It may deliver code that doesn’t work or contains bugs. Likewise, AI can sometimes answer questions incorrectly or misunderstand questions entirely.
It’s also possible for AI to compromise security. This is mainly a concern in cases where code must remain private for one reason or another — sharing even a snippet of it with an AI for debugging can compromise privacy. Models like ChatGPT learn from every interaction they have, so don’t share any confidential or personally identifying info with an AI.
