ChatGPT is now able to code. Is this the beginning of the end for software developers?

Key Points

1. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has shown capabilities in coding, leading to its integration in various work-related tasks.

2. While ChatGPT can assist in coding tasks, it lacks the contextual understanding and creativity inherent to human developers.

With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), tools like ChatGPT by OpenAI are now capable of coding, among other tasks. This development has generated discussions on its impact on the software development industry. When OpenAI released a consumer-focused version of ChatGPT in November, it triggered a substantial use of generative AI in daily tasks, including coding, accumulating 100 million monthly active users by January.

The inception of ChatGPT has proven to be a beneficial tool for many, even in the workplace where workers turn to ChatGPT for assistance with basic tasks. Despite some employers like Microsoft and Google discouraging its use due to unidentified fears, many individuals continue to utilize ChatGPT to aid in their work-related tasks. However, industry experts argue that ChatGPT is not a threat to software developers. Instead, it's viewed as a tool that can enhance productivity and efficiency, especially for developers looking to learn new programming languages quickly and effectively.

On the flip side, there are concerns regarding the use of ChatGPT for software development. For instance, it can be employed by threat actors to create malicious code. Researchers have shown that AI tools like ChatGPT can be manipulated to produce malicious code, posing a potential cybersecurity risk. Shortly after ChatGPT's debut, cybersecurity company Check Point demonstrated how it could be used alongside OpenAI's code-writing system Codex to create a phishing email. Despite these concerns, the consensus within the industry seems to lean towards the positive impact of ChatGPT on software developers, viewing it more as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human developers.

References

1. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-openai-chatgpt-idUSKBN2FY1R0
2. https://www.headforwards.com/insights/is-chatgpt-a-threat-to-software-developers/
3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/09/03/two-cybersecurity-concerns-when-using-chatgpt-for-software-development/?sh=4d0c5a5f7bca
4. https://techxplore.com/news/2022-03-chatgpt-ai-tools-malicious-code.html
5. https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/31/is-chatgpt-a-cybersecurity-threat/