How to Use ChatGPT Effectively without Losing your Developer Skills

#chatgpt #learning #productivity #programming

You access ChatGPT more frequently than Atom. You request a neural network to create a sorting function that you have implemented countless times before. Your response appears to be copied and pasted without any consideration for its content. Does that ring a bell? Congratulations! You are not alone. It is a widespread issue. Today, we will explore how to utilize ChatGPT effectively while maintaining our identity as developers, rather than merely relying on code-pasting.

Phases of deterioration

Phase 1: "I'm merely conserving time."

You are requesting ChatGPT to create a straightforward function. Alright, that seems unproductive. Satisfactory.

Phase 2: "Why should we remember?" one might inquire.

You have forgotten the distinction between map and forEach. You seem to have overlooked how this functions in JavaScript. But why not—surely you can inquire?

Phase 3: "As an architect, my focus is not on writing code."

You are replicating complete elements from ChatGPT. You lack comprehension of their actions. However, they are effective. Nearly there...

Phase 4: "Can it be done without a code?"

A neural network is prompted to generate code, followed by an explanation of its output, and subsequently, the code is debugged. As a project manager, your focus is on a singular function within the project.

Phase 5: You seem to have overlooked the steps for creating a new file in the terminal.

You are no longer a developer.
What actions to take

This is a collection of effective guidelines.

Before initiating a conversation with a neural network, consider crafting a solution on your own first. For a minimum of 15 minutes. Regardless of whether the code is flawed or fails to compile. The key takeaway is that you are engaging your mind. You are remembering syntax, patterns, and logic. ChatGPT will then highlight your mistakes—and that will be significantly more beneficial than just getting a pre-made answer.

“Please provide an authorization function.” - that’s not correct. “Here is my authorization function.” What seems to be the issue? What vulnerabilities exist?" — this is the approach to engaging with a neural network.

Can you sense the change? In the initial scenario, you are a consumer. In the second scenario, you are a developer utilizing a tool for expansion. It's akin to the contrast between an individual who opts for food delivery and another who prepares their own meal while seeking guidance from the chef.

The most effective prompt isn't "write me..." but rather "explain to me how... works." Once you grasp the concept, you'll be able to write the code independently. Copying and pasting code means you haven't grasped the concepts; you've merely postponed the issue for your future self to deal with.

Did you receive the code from ChatGPT? Wonderful. Please close the chat and recreate this code from memory. Refrain from copying and pasting—rephrase it instead. This compels your mind to engage with the information, rather than allowing it to flow aimlessly from one point to another.

It is unnecessary to completely dismiss neural networks as a matter of principle. It's akin to abandoning a calculator out of fear that I might forget my multiplication tables. This is where AI stands out as a remarkably effective tool:

Create a configuration, produce template code—tasks that demand little mental effort yet consume a significant amount of time.

Are you exploring a new framework? ChatGPT serves as a personal mentor, always ready to clarify concepts, no matter how many times it takes.

"Here’s my code, here’s the error, here’s what I tried" - and GPT can truly assist you in identifying the issue more quickly than spending an hour searching online.

Engaging with 100 articles, viewing 50 videos, and posing 1,000 questions to ChatGPT is valuable, yet without the act of writing code yourself, personal growth will remain stagnant. It's akin to perusing literature on swimming without ever stepping into the water.