ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot that can simulate human conversation and write code, will metamorphose application development — and the developer profession — into a different animal, according to industry experts.
More than 1 million users have signed up for ChatGPT’s free research preview since OpenAI released the chatbot on Nov. 30. The bot can write simple webpages and applications in programming languages such as JavaScript, Python and React. It can also find bugs in code and help create new programming languages.
The model interacts in a conversational way and can admit its mistakes, answer follow-up questions, challenge incorrect premises and reject inappropriate requests, according to OpenAI.
While it cannot yet write complex code, such as what’s required for banking applications, ChatGPT will become a professional coder within the next decade, said Rob Zazueta, a freelance technical consultant in Concord, Calif.
The last iteration of GPT was surprisingly good, but this seems to leave it in the dust. It doesn’t take much imagination at this point to see where this is all going.
Rob ZazuetaFreelance technical consultant
“I have a weird mix of existential dread about it… but also a ton of excitement,” he said. “The last iteration of GPT was surprisingly good, but this seems to leave it in the dust. It doesn’t take much imagination at this point to see where this is all going.”
Charlotte Dunlap, an analyst at British market research firm GlobalData, echoed Zazueta’s predictions, but believes the effects will happen much sooner.
“Consider how we’ve gone almost overnight from GitHub’s Copilot autocomplete prompting method of AI-injected coding to a dialogue format via ChatGPT,” he said. “Advancements are happening such that we’ll get there in two to three years.”
But no one knows what form those advancements will take, said Abhishek Gupta, founder and principal researcher at the Montreal AI Ethics Institute. Twelve months ago, no one could have accurately predicted the ubiquity of generative AI systems and the many forms that it is taking today, he said. Similarly, it’s impossible to predict what will happen in three to 10 years.
“Nobody has a crystal ball,” Gupta said. “Trying to make a forecast that’s more than 18 months ahead in time — you might as well just flip a coin.”
Software engineering jobs of the future
One thing that’s in the cards: Developers will no longer have to write boilerplate code, Gupta said. Instead, they can focus on areas such as complex application architecture or cybersecurity.
Zazueta agreed, saying ChatGPT already does a good job at writing working code.
ChatGPT found a bug in some example code when prompted by a user.
“I can take that, modify it to fit my needs and cut through boilerplate stuff quickly, allowing me to focus on the more intensive kind of work that AI is not yet ready to handle,” he said.
While ChatGPT might replace some aspects of coding, such as writing generic functions or boilerplate code, it won’t support programmers altogether, Zazueta said. That’s because a programmer’s job requires more than coding.
“It takes skill to be a programmer — to be able to structure a program, follow the logic and produce something greater than the sum of its parts,” Zazueta said.
Still, ChatGPT could pave the way for new job titles. Prompt engineering, for example, will become an in-demand skill set in the AI era, he said.
Prompt engineers understand the principles and techniques for writing model inputs to get the best possible results from chatbots. As such, it should be called dark artistry, Gupta said.
“You have to have the right incantation in place that triggers what you want from it,” he said.
The rise of AI coders such as ChatGPT will also lead to an increased demand for software developers versed in data science principles, GlobalData’s Dunlap said. For example, engineers who can design, build and test applications using data science platforms and languages such as Go and Python.
The big news this week was a call from tech luminaries to pause development and deployment of AI models more advanced than OpenAI’s GTP-4—the stunningly capable language algorithm behind ChatGPT—until risks including job displacement and misinformation can be better understood.
Even if OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and other tech heavyweights were to stop what they’re doing—and they’re not going to stop what they’re doing—the AI models that have already been developed are likely to have profound impacts, especially in software development.
It might not look like a regular business deal, but Alphabet’s agreement to supply AI to Replit, a web-based coding tool with over 20 million users, is something of a seismic shift. Replit will use Google’s AI models, along with others, in Ghostwriter, a tool that recommends code and answers code-related questions in a similar manner to ChatGPT. Amjad Masad, Replit’s CEO, tells me that Google has “super cool technology” and that his company can get it into the hands of developers. Through this partnership, Google will also make Replit available to users of Google Cloud, helping it reach more business customers.
The move is particularly significant because Alphabet is squaring up to Microsoft and GitHub, which are also using AI to assist coders with Copilot, an add-on for Visual Studio. The same AI that makes ChatGPT seem so clever works on computer languages. When you start typing code, tools like Copilot will suggest a way to complete it.
Alphabet’s move also signals what could be the next big battleground for large tech companies. While so much attention is being paid to ChatGPT parlor tricks and Midjourey 5 versions of Donald Trump, the bigger story is about which companies can offer developers the best AI tools—and the new software that developers will build with that AI by their side.
Research from Microsoft suggests that developers can perform tasks over 50 percent faster when using an AI assistant. Companies that offer cutting-edge AI can draw developers to their coding tools and get those users hooked on their clouds and other stuff. Amazon has developed an AI coding tool called Code Whisperer, and Meta is working on one for internal use too. Presumably, Apple will not want to be left behind.
As well as helping developers write code, AI is starting to change the way code is put together. Last week, OpenAI announced that the first plugins for ChatGPT had been created. They will make it possible for the bot to perform tasks such as searching for flights, booking restaurants, and ordering groceries. Incorporating AI into code can also accelerate software development. This week Masad of Replit shared a neat example—an app that will turn voice commands into working websites. “We think a lot of software projects will start that way in the future,” Masad says.
With things moving so quickly, it’s worth considering what the consequences of rapidly incorporating AI into software development might be. AI tools can reproduce vulnerabilities in the code they suggest that developers may not notice or might be unable to spot. Perhaps developers will become more complacent, or see their skills atrophy, if they rely too heavily on AI. And what kind of “technical debt” might emerge if programmers need to go back and fix software that no human has ever closely examined?
ATLANTA – Scripps News will significantly expand its documentary programming by creating a new long-form unit dedicated to producing compelling cinematic offerings for Scripps News platforms and distribution partners.
Scripps News, a division of The EW Scripps Company, is the nation’s only 24/7 TV news network available for free over the air.
New full-time hires joining Scripps News’ longform team will include journalists with experience on shows such as CNN’s “This Is Life,” Showtime’s “VICE” and Comedy Central’s “Klepper.” Zach Toombs has been promoted to director of long form and will oversee the network’s documentary programming. Toombs, previously the deputy director of programs, will report to Scripps Head of Program Development Ethan Nelson.
Scripps News’ expanded documentary programming will build on its award-winning lineup that includes:
“Scripps News Showcase” (formerly known as “Newsy Docs Presents”), a showcase of documentary films that introduce viewers to captivating characters and impactful issues. Season 4 of “Scripps News Showcase” will premiere March 26 and will feature originally produced projects and documentaries from independent filmmakers.
“In Real Life,” a documentary series that dives deep on a different topic in each episode. Season 4 of “In Real Life” will premiere April 2.
“NextLevel,” an original series that dives into the real-world influence of gaming — from its impact on technology and entertainment to politics and culture at large. Season 2 of “Next Level” will premiere this fall.
“Bellingcat,” a series that brings viewers open-source visual investigations that use satellite imagery, social media and online tools to shed light on international conflict — from tracking weapon supplies to debunking government claims. This Emmy-nominated series is a partnership of Scripps News and the investigative journalism outlet Bellingcat.
“Scripps is proud to be expanding our award-winning documentary programming. “Not only is the content engaging, but this kind of compelling longform broadcast journalism is essential to keeping viewers informed and enlightened,” said Scripps News President Kate O’Brian.
“At a time when the ethical lines of documentary production are increasingly blurred, we’re keeping journalism and the journalistic process at the center of our work,” said Toombs. “Our mission is to create documentaries and series that inform, entertain and build trust with our viewers.”
Some of the planned documents:
April 2, “In Real Life: Crypto Crash” What was behind the collapse of crypto giant FTX? And what does it say about digital currencies, celebrity endorsements, and the collision of tech and finance? Insider accounts and creative animation take viewers beyond the headlines.
April 16, “In Real Life: Next Gen Stunts” A new generation of Hollywood stunt workers is changing the industry from the ground up. Featuring the stunt team behind “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” this documentary shows the behind-the-scenes reality for a new crop of stunt workers making Hollywood’s biggest hits.
May 7, Scripps News Showcase, “No Greater Love” An Army chaplain looks at combat deployment in Afghanistan and the various struggles that returning soldiers face in this award-winning documentary film.
May 14, “In Real Life: Ukrainian Sniper” A Ukrainian sniper navigates a warzone and a pregnancy, creating a space for more women on the frontlines.
May 21, “In Real Life: Voices of Nature” Artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities for scientists communicating with animals — from sending messages to elephants on the plains of Kenya to mimicking honey bees and bat sounds.
Media contacts: Michael Perry, (513) 259-4718, [email protected]
About Scripps News Scripps News (@ScrippsNews) is the nation’s only free 24/7 broadcast news network, serving viewers opinion-free national news from 16 news bureaus across the US and Scripps’ Local Media national desk. Scripps News is available in more than 94% of US television homes free and over the air with a digital antenna, on mobile with the Scripps News app and online at ScrippsNews.com. It is also carried on streaming platforms and services, including Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto TV, Apple TV, Sling, Vizio and Xumo. Scripps News is part of The EW Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).
