OSMC 2023 | Will ChatGPT Take Over My Job?

One of the talks at OSMC 2023 was “Will ChatGPT take over my job?” by Philipp Krenn. It explored the changing role of artificial intelligence in our lives, raising important questions about its use in software development.

The Rise of AI in Software Development:

In a time of technological advancement, discussing the use of artificial intelligence, represented by tools like ChatGPT, has become unavoidable. The younger generation, eager to embrace AI, faces a pivotal question: will these advanced language models replace traditional coding methods or serve as powerful enhancements?

Insights from Philipp’s Presentation:

Philipp shared some insights from a SauceLabs survey, revealing that over a quarter of developers admitted to neglecting proper testing. This statistic reveals possible issues with the trustworthiness of AI-generated code, emphasizing the need for careful testing.

Navigating the Pitfalls:

Relying solely on ChatGPT has risks. The changing data and the model’s tendency to alter responses make it unpredictable. Accepting AI solutions without thorough validation endangers code integrity.

Practical Application in Debugging:

Drawing on his experience at Elastic, Philipp demonstrated a practical use case where an AI Assistant aids in explaining error messages. While traditional debugging methods remain crucial, the integration of AI simplifies and enhances this process. The demonstration showcased the assistant’s capability to execute functions, providing refined and efficient solutions to coding queries. You can also watch the recording of Philipp’s talk and check out the detailed demonstration.

The Path Forward:

In conclusion, ChatGPT and similar AI models undeniably transform the software development landscape. It’s crucial to have a balanced view, avoiding blind trust in their capabilities. As we adapt to this changing phase, integrating AI into our workflows should be done carefully. While ChatGPT won’t completely replace our roles, it significantly influences the future of software development. Embracing this evolution involves a mix of trust, validation, and a strategic approach to the evolving technological landscape. I think at the moment it may be a bit too early to trust ChatGPT 100%, but we should definitely learn how to use it.

Make sure to watch the video of his recorded talk and have a look at Philipp’s slides.

I’m already looking forward to OSMC 2024 and I hope to see you there!