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Using ChatGPT to Read and Understand Code

ChatGPT has made quite a splash over the last couple of months, and for good reason. Its near-infinite text-based database is proving extremely useful for coding and content needs alike, with new use cases rearing their heads every day. But, in this quick Hounder blog, we want to talk about one thing: Using ChatGPT to read code.

Feb 8, 2023 | BY AUSTIN AMENTO

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ChatGPT has sparked a lot of conversation about the extent of what AI can do, should be allowed to do, and has even raised concern about the various job positions its capabilities could potentially replace. On the other hand, there’s a lot of conversation about how Chat GPT is being used as a tool to improve jobs, and web developers have discovered that ChatGPT can be a tremendous help with different coding tasks. 

Hounder developer Austin Amento enlightened us on how he uses ChatGPT for different coding questions. This is perfect for newbie programmers or if you’re working with a new database and need assistance when there are no human developers around to query. ChatGPT can help you generate clean, accurate code.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI language mode, or chat bot, that enables users to send an unlimited number of queries through it and receive accurate (for the most part) answers based on large swaths of data it has gathered from the internet. The AI’s training consists of mostly text data, allowing it to deliver human-like responses when asked, or generate creative works, such as fiction or web code, when prompted. From language translation, to question answering, to list making, to coding and web development, Chat GPT is proving to be a super useful tool. 

What can developers use ChatGPT for?

Developers can use ChatGPT in many ways, but here are a few ideas:

  • Code completion: can suggest snippets of code based on the code entered in

  • Fixing bugs: the AI can identify bugs when code is entered into the chat

  • Instant Senior Developer: Input the code you don’t know and get instant, knowledgeable feedback

Using ChatGPT to help you understand new code

Here’s a scenario where ChatGPT can simultaneously be your best friend while acting as your cranky, snarky, overworked senior developer: You’re coding away and notice a section of code that you’re not familiar with. Your cranky development has already left for the day, so there’s nobody to turn to help you get these tickets filled and tasks completed before it’s your turn to clock out, and so you find yourself in a pickle. 

Luckily, Chat GPT can help. Just input the code into the chat and let the robo-developer do its work. Here are the steps.

Step 1. Prepare your prompt

Go to the official OpenAI ChatGPT website. Phrase your prompt with something like “Please explain this block of code…” And, if you feel like having some fun with it, add something like “answer as my cranky and overworked senior developer.”

Step 2. Enter the code

Copy and paste the part of code you need help with along with the prompt. No need to explain what system you are using, it should pick up on that for you. 

Step 3. Read the walkthrough  

You should get a response with a step-by-step walkthrough of the code you entered in.

Step 4. Sigh of relief

There you have it. Now, with ChatGPT’s response, you can get back to clearing those tickets and getting home before the sun is down too long. And remember: Tomorrow, when you’re back at your desk hammering away, you can use ChatGPT for a variety of applications, such as asking it questions about different coding languages you’re jumping between, and overall utilize its vast database to help you write clean code faster.

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