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The downfall of the internet is imminent. Because copy-pasting AI-generated code is the new method. The question remains as to whether you can still look yourself in the mirror after deployment.

The tech industry always manages one particular thing a little differently than other industries: it doesn’t laugh at the threat of unemployment, it laughs with it. Because when the tools get better, so do the developers. Rejection is a rather rare reaction - especially when you consider how incredibly useful AI-generated code can be.

I use ChatGPT every day. It can really improve your workflow. Today I want to share a few tricks I use. Watch and copy me:

1. Debugging

One of the toughest aspects of learning web development is debugging code. Beginners often encounter cryptic error messages or unexpected behavior in their code. ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for troubleshooting and finding solutions.

How ChatGPT Helps:

  • Error Explanation: If you get an error message you don’t understand, you can paste it into ChatGPT, and it can help explain the error and suggest possible fixes.
  • Step-by-step Debugging: If you provide a section of code, ChatGPT can help pinpoint the part of your code that’s causing the issue. It can guide you on what to check or how to rewrite the code to resolve errors.

Example: If you’re stuck on a JavaScript TypeError, like this one:

Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'length')

You can input the code causing the error into ChatGPT, and it can explain why the error is occurring and suggest solutions, such as initializing a variable or checking for null values.

2. Understanding Tricky Concepts

When you’re new to web development, some concepts can be hard to grasp, especially when dealing with JavaScript functions, event handling, or CSS layouts. ChatGPT can simplify these ideas with clear explanations and analogies.

How ChatGPT Helps:

  • Simplified Explanations: ChatGPT breaks down complex topics into digestible, beginner-friendly explanations. It can also provide alternative explanations if one method of explanation doesn’t click for you.
  • Hands-on Examples: When learning something new, examples are key. ChatGPT can generate examples that help you visualize how a particular JavaScript function works or how CSS properties affect layout.

Example: If you’re struggling with JavaScript callbacks, you could ask ChatGPT something like: “What is a callback in JavaScript and how do I use it?” ChatGPT will respond with a simple explanation and an example, helping you understand the concept step by step.

3. Generating Simple Code Snippets

Sometimes, you might know what you want to do but aren’t sure how to start. Whether it’s adding an interactive element using JavaScript or styling a button with CSS, ChatGPT can generate simple code snippets to help you out.

How ChatGPT Helps:

  • Starter Code: You can ask ChatGPT to generate the basic structure of a piece of functionality, like a contact form in HTML or a JavaScript function to calculate totals in a shopping cart.
  • Customization: You can also request more personalized code based on your specific requirements, like how to create a responsive navigation bar or how to handle form validation in JavaScript.

Example: You could ask, “How do I create a button that changes color when clicked using JavaScript?” ChatGPT would generate the basic code:

<button id="colorBtn">Click me</button>

<script>
document.getElementById("colorBtn").addEventListener("click", function() {
    this.style.backgroundColor = "blue";
});
</script>

This example not only gives you the code but also teaches you how addEventListener works and how JavaScript can manipulate CSS properties.

4. Learning and Practicing Best Practices

As you develop your skills, it’s important to learn best practices in coding — things like writing clean, readable code or following semantic HTML guidelines. ChatGPT can provide advice on how to structure your code efficiently and how to avoid common pitfalls.

How ChatGPT Helps:

  • Code Review: If you’re unsure whether your code follows best practices, you can paste it into ChatGPT, and it can provide suggestions for improvement, such as better variable naming, more efficient loops, or tips on improving accessibility in HTML.
  • Coding Standards: ChatGPT can teach you about industry-standard practices, helping you write code that is not only functional but also maintainable and scalable.

Example: You might paste a block of code and ask, “Is this the best way to write this loop in JavaScript?” ChatGPT can review the code and suggest alternatives, like using forEach instead of a traditional for loop if applicable.

5. Saving Time with AI-Driven Methods

For beginners, coding can be time-consuming, especially when you’re unsure of syntax or need to reference documentation frequently. ChatGPT can save you time by providing quick answers or generating the basic code for common tasks.

How ChatGPT Helps:

  • Instant Answers: Instead of spending hours searching through Stack Overflow or documentation, ChatGPT can provide answers in seconds.
  • Prototyping: You can use ChatGPT to generate quick prototypes for small features or projects, giving you more time to focus on learning and refining your skills.

Example: You could ask, “How do I create a responsive image gallery with CSS Grid?” and ChatGPT can provide the code instantly, saving you the time of looking it up manually.

Further Reading

@pickleboxer and @everget are hosting a github repo with a collection of ChatGPT prompts specifically for developers.

Updated:

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