Using Chatgpt to code? · Data Alchemy

Using Chatgpt to code?

Hi everyone!

This post is my answer to a question someone asked me in one of my previous posts, and I thought it would be a good idea to talk about it. This was

@Kevin Cranfield

's message. Here’s what he asked:

"Hi, what is your feeling about using ChatGPT/OpenAI to help you code? I started using it for little bits of help while building my Django projects. Then I figured out that I can get ChatGPT to write the whole project. I knew this was bad for my learning, but it helped me get the project done quicker."

I’ll start by saying that I love ChatGPT! I think it’s an amazing tool, and I use it all the time. However, over-reliance on it can make you replaceable in the marketplace. If all you do is rely on ChatGPT to create, someone else can easily do the same. The real value comes from what you bring to the table—your ability to refine, adapt, and improve the outputs, making your work truly unique and personalized. The key is to leverage ChatGPT as a starting point while focusing on tweaking and enhancing its results to ensure your work stands out.

One critical skill is learning to do things with ChatGPT that others can’t. Let me share an example from my own experience. A colleague and I were tasked with creating an automation in R. I had no idea how to do it, so I turned to ChatGPT. One thing I’m very good at is clearly expressing my ideas in writing, so I probably crafted an effective prompt. As a result, I had no trouble generating the script I needed and tweaking it, whereas the other person couldn’t get hers to work at all. Being able to write clear, effective prompts that deliver exactly what you need is a valuable skill.

But there’s a downside to tools like ChatGPT: they can discourage us from learning deeply. Let me share another example. I heard a story about a wedding where the pianist didn’t actually know how to play the piano. She was there to press a button, and the music would play from the keyboard. But on that particular day, something went wrong, and the recorded music didn’t play. The violinist asked her to play manually, and she couldn’t do it! A similar situation happened to the same violinist on another occasion, but this time, the pianist knew how to play and immediately stepped in. The same principle applies to us: we need to understand the code we’re using and be able to recreate it if necessary. One way I approach this is by experimenting with changes to see their effects. I also try to write as much of the code myself as I can, and when I don’t understand something, I ask the AI to explain it, so I can better understand and learn.

At the same time, the reality is that your boss, employer, or client doesn’t care where the code comes from, as long as you’re creating value for them. The real challenge is: how many others can do what you do? How can you stand out? How can you bring value in a unique way to be seen as truly valuable?

That said, I’m still a data science intern, so don’t take my words as absolute truth. I’m experimenting, learning, and trying to improve—finding a balance between using ChatGPT effectively and not relying on it too much. Does that make sense to you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic!

Have a great week! And Happy New Year! 🎉

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