Why did the computer science student bring ChatGPT to class?
Because they wanted to ace their assignments without breaking a sweat🤭!!
In this blog post, I will discuss some of the ways in which I have used ChatGPT and the benefits it has provided me as a student. I may be wrong in some use cases. This is what I'm exploring.
Introduction
I'm one hundred percent sure, that almost all people who are on hashnode have used ChatGPT. Well, this is called the 💪 power of distribution. Whether you are a working professional or a school/college student. This AI tool has covered the mass population in just 5 days of its launch.
Many people are using ChatGPT in different ways. Some might be using it as their coach for some tasks or a reviewer for their work, some are using it for producing code for their website, writing texts for their copyrighting work, and creating content scripts for YouTube. Well, this list of advantages of ChatGPT is never going to end.
Overview of ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI, it's a variation of GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) which is pre-trained on a large corpus of text data and fine-tuned for specific natural language processing tasks.
ChatGPT is like a genie, it can generate text out of thin air, but it won't grant you three wishes🖖🏻
The model uses a Neural Network Architecture known as a "Transformer", which is capable of handling large amounts of input data and generating text that is similar to human-written text. This neural network is trained on a large text dataset using a technique called Unsupervised Learning. This means that the model is not given explicit instructions on how to generate text, but rather is allowed to learn patterns in the data on its own. I have been trying ChatGPT for a couple of days and it helped in many areas.
Code Review
I wrote a Binary Search algorithm. Many times I make mistakes, but today I asked ChatGPT to check and review my code. I asked ChatGPT to explain the code as well. And if you found any error then tell me the way to debug the code. And guess what, I wrote the best code, that has 0 errors. It executed successfully in my VSCode.
My text prompt:
ChatGPT response:
3 Level Debugging (Brutally Failed)
Well, to be honest, ChatGPT is unable to debug the code. It can only debug the code up to the very first level. But it cant debug the whole code. Even it will make false errors that can make you in trouble also. It's true. I will tell you. After successfully executing my code, I made a few errors intentionally. I changed the variable x to y. It should match the mid-value of the array '(array[mid]' to the value to be searched, i.e x; '(array[mid] == x'. So, I initialized x but not y.
And guess what, ChatGPT identifies this 1st level of error, but with that, it created more than 3 errors on its own. Which made me think twice if I did wrong with my code🙃.
My text prompt:
ChatGPT responses:
Even, though I asked ChatGPT to make it correct. But it refused to do; and repeated the same mistakes.
Why did ChatGPT fail to debug the code?
Because it was too busy 'compiling' excuses.
NOTE: This means as a cs student we should not trust ChatGPT for debugging the code and making the code easier to execute.
Suggestions/Feedbacks
Up to a certain level, ChatGPT can provide general feedback on code errors and suggest ways to improve the code based on best practices and common conventions. However, it's important to note that ChatGPT is not a substitute for human code review and testing. As it had failed in my debugging session:)
It can assist in finding errors and suggesting improvements, but ultimately a human developer should review and test the code before deployment.
Learning
Currently, I'm exploring JavaScript frameworks. Whenever I feel I am stuck and need one-to-one brainstorming, I discuss it with ChatGPT. And I really enjoy the way it explains the concepts and strategies. I may be wrong in some use cases. This is what I'm exploring. It can help with research by providing information on different algorithms and technologies.
Roadmaps
ChatGPT is best known for guidance. As it has a very large corpus of data till the 2021 knowledge cut-off, it can guide you in the best possible way to become a certain person. Whatever it says is just facts. So, it can be trustworthy.
For example, I asked for a software engineering roadmap. And the way it answered the problem is so perfect. No tech youtube spoke a word about these practical approaches, all they do is just DSA DSA and DSA
My text prompt:
ChatGPT text prompt:
Explanation Guide
As a developer and CS student, one can use ChatGPT as an explanation guide by asking it questions related to specific programming concepts. Such as the syntax and usage of a particular programming language or the inner workings of a certain algorithm.
For example, you can ask:
"What is a closure in JavaScript?" or "How does the quicksort algorithm work?"
And it will keep answering till you understand the concept. You can also ask for help with coding exercises or specific bugs in your code by providing sample code and asking for suggestions on how to fix it. (Remember it cant debug deeper)
Don't try this at home
Literally, ChatGPT can do anything. Even you can take help with college assignments as well. Although I am not recommending to do, but if you got stuck, then you can ask.
NOTE: It is not right to ask ChatGPT to solve your entire assignment. You are not a kid bro:)
If you ask, then ChatGPT will also feel bad:(
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a computer science student, I have found that ChatGPT is a valuable tool for various stacks. The model's ability to understand and generate technical language has been particularly useful for me in coding, writing, and studying. Additionally, the time-saving and skill-building benefits of using ChatGPT have been significant. I recommend other computer science students give it a try and explore its potential uses in their studies and projects.
#iwritecode #wemakedevs