It's old news by now, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still talk about it. ChatGPT can be used for a near-infinite variety of development tasks, one of these being debugging code.
Finding and eliminating bugs can be a challenging task. It requires close attention to each line of code up on your screen, and if you don't have a deep understanding of the language you're working in, you can pretty much forget about successfully identifying bugs for the cleanest code possible. But now there's ChatGPT, your very own personal debugging expert.
ChatGPT is your new debugging expert
Syntax master
One of the primary ways ChatGPT can help with debugging code is by answering specific questions about programming concepts or syntax. For example, if you are unsure about how a particular function works or how to use a specific keyword in your code, the model can quickly provide you with a detailed explanation or example, helping you to better understand the issue and resolve it in a time-effective manner.
Additionally, ChatGPT can assist with identifying syntax errors or bugs in your code. By providing the model with a code snippet, ChatGPT can analyze it and identify any syntax errors or potential issues. This can be particularly useful for novice programmers who are still learning the ins and outs of a particular language.
AI thinks outside the box
Another useful feature of ChatGPT is its ability to suggest alternative solutions to coding problems. If you are stuck on a particular issue or are unsure how to solve a specific problem, ChatGPT can provide suggestions for alternative approaches or methods that may be more efficient or effective. This can help streamline your coding process and ensure that your code is optimized for performance and reliability.
Watch debugging in action
ChatGPT debugging: Step by step
Let's say you come across a Prisma client validation error while working on a Next.js app. You're new to Prisma and Next.js, which means that identifying this bug is going to be more difficult than it would be for somebody fluent. So what's next?
Prompt ChatGPT with your particular bug. In this case:
Prisma Client Validation Error: Invalid 'prisma.user.update()' invocation.
ChatGPT will start to come up with solutions based on that error, such as:
Invalid arguments
Undefined fields
Invalid query
Thanks to ChatGPT, you realize you accidentally typed in your user ID wrong and it's not properly connecting with the database.
Whether you need help understanding a programming concept, identifying syntax errors, or finding alternative solutions to coding problems, ChatGPT can provide you with the support you need to improve your coding skills and develop more effective, efficient code.
