Artificial intelligence dominates the media. Especially ChatGPT is represented in the headlines. That’s understandable because, after all, AI is likely to have a lasting impact on the world. While some people are afraid of it, others are more optimistic about technological progress.
Neither panic nor too much relaxedness makes sense: Those who can, use the time to inform themselves about the new possibilities and familiarize themselves with them. This also applies to software developers, because the competition never sleeps. In this article, we will introduce you to five AI software tools for developers.
The Development Of AI In The Last Months
Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been a popular topic in the media. Among other things, science fiction films in which AI played a leading role, for example in the Matrix trilogy, have ensured this. But only now has the time come when development seems to have progressed so far that AI could actually be used on a large scale, for example in software development tools. This is also shown by initial forecasts, which are at least hopeful.
According to a study, the German economy will grow by eleven percent by 2030 through the use of artificial intelligence alone. The USA and China will benefit even more. AI could even help in the treatment of certain types of cancer in the foreseeable future. Also extreme weather events will soon be more predictable with the help of artificial intelligence.
However, there are also worrying views on the subject. For example, many people fear significant job losses. Elsewhere, there is talk that actually more jobs are likely to be created. We dare not make any predictions. But it is already clear that AI will drastically change the world of work. In particular, software developers and other IT specialists such as web developers or Python developers will feel the effects.
But where are we actually right now in AI development? Spectacular was the release of OpenAI’s AI textbot ChatGPT a few months ago. The tool can be fed with questions like Google. However, it does not spit out a list of links, but answers the question in text form.
In addition to question-answer constellations, ChatGPT is also capable of programming software or writing poetry, among other things. You can also chat with the AI if time permits and the program doesn’t crash.
However, ChatGPT is not perfect. The tool creates legible texts, but the content is often wrong. The „Standard“ even calls ChatGPT a “dumb nut” for its defectiveness. However, the current version has just been released. After all, artificial intelligence is characterized by the fact that it is capable of learning and constantly evolving. The fact that Microsoft has bought into OpenAI also shows that we can be excited. We can therefore look forward to seeing how the program develops over the next ten years. It is quite conceivable that it will compete with a platform like Google or even displace it.
Similar programs appeared almost at the same time as ChatGPT, because many companies like Bing want to share in the expected success. For example, Google Bard, almost Google’s “own ChatGPT”, proves to be interesting. For a short time, there were even rumors that Google would integrate the chatbot into its web search. However, that does not seem to be happening now. But the next step into the future is only postponed. Things are likely to be very turbulent behind the scenes.
KEY POINTS
- According to a study, the German economy will grow by eleven percent by 2030 through the use of artificial intelligence alone.
- Spectacular was the release of the AI text bot ChatGPT by OpenAI a few months ago.
- AI tools have catapulted us straight into the future as they work in numerous areas by simplifying processes.
- Although AI is so powerful, it is useless without humans.
Overview AI Tools
Freelancers and companies that work with software development tools will be particularly exposed to AI software. Already, one or the other office is likely to make the switch. But which programs are worthwhile for the industry? ElevateX knows the five most exciting tools that fit the software development bill:
- ChatGPT
- GitHub CoPilot
- Kite
- Tabnine
- OtterPilot
We have already introduced the chatbot ChatGPT. It will greatly change industries such as education or copywriting. But the program is also used in software development. There, it produces program code in programming languages such as Java or Python on request, which means it no longer has to be programmed itself.
However, due to the high error-proneness, it is inevitable to check and correct the created code. In addition, the output is so far rather small. Rather code sections are more conceivable than complex programs to their whole extent. So that ChatGPT can supply at all the suitable code, one must give the correct instructions to the tool. The following applies: The clearer the commands, the better the result. The concretization of the request is a small art in itself.
In addition to creating code, the AI software has other highlights to offer software developers: You can even have the tool test the program code you create, and it takes care of debugging and optimization. If you are new to the world of software development, the AI is even available as a teacher. If you do not understand a code, you can have it explained to you.
Another AI software that software developers should keep in mind is GitHub CoPilot. Like ChatGPT, the program helps with coding. It not only creates new code, but also adds to existing code. For example, if a declaration exists, CoPilot can build on it.
However, CoPilot from GitHub has decisive disadvantages: If you rely on AI help from the start, you forgot valuable practice situations. Professors in IT subjects also notice this, because students naturally know about the possibilities of AI software in everyday university life.
Kite also made it easier to write code. In the process, the tool was based on artificial intelligence. However, the founder of the startup, Adam Smith, announced in November 2022 that they no longer work on the project.
If you want to take a closer look at Kite, you can view large parts of the code used on GitHub and perhaps get inspired for your own project.
The AI software Tabnine promises you to be able to program even faster. The AI assistant for software developers should help you to become an even better programmer. You can complete code in your own editor or simply get a suggestion for the next code section. In terms of completions, there are options to choose whole lines or whole functions.
What we like most about Tabnine is that, unlike ChatGPT, the tool learns from you and not from the general public. This is useful in that the AI code still bears your signature. It is also practical that you can use Tabnine on your own PC or in the cloud.
The last AI software for software developers that we would like to introduce to you in this post is OtterPilot from Otter.ai. The tool is the only one in the list that doesn’t help you with coding. Its strengths lie rather in the support around your meetings. The OtterPilot writes notes for you, creates summaries or records an audio file for you. This way you can make each of your meetings more effective and save a lot of time.
What AI Tools Can Do Now
AI tools have catapulted us straight into the future as they work in numerous areas by simplifying processes. The capabilities of new types of AI software include writing texts, creating program code and assisting in everyday life. Want to learn more about artificial intelligence, read our AI glossary or listen to our podcast episode on AI.
Why Software Developers Will Still Be Needed
When you look at what AI software can do, you might get the idea that software developers will soon be out of a job. But this is not to be expected, because although AI is so powerful, it is useless without humans.
This is mainly because AI software is anything but error-free. Especially when producing program code, errors are virtually guaranteed. The occurrence of significant security vulnerabilities is also to be expected. AI code must therefore always be checked and improved by humans. Without software developers, therefore, it is still not possible.
Many manufacturers also describe their AIs in such a way that they only support and do not replace them. The goal of development is therefore not to replace specialists, but to simplify. With the help of AI, for example, there is much more time for other tasks, such as planning new software solutions.
So it’s still worth becoming an IT freelancer or working with IT freelancers. Especially since there have long been ways to make software development easier, for example through DevOps or low-code or no-code solutions.
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Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we live and work. ChatGPT is only the beginning of modern AIs that will bring enormous changes. Software developers will also have to get used to it. After all, AI software is not making the industry obsolete, but is taking it to a new level. Those who view change from this perspective will have an easier time of it.
The capabilities of new types of AI software include writing texts, creating program code and assisting in everyday life
AI is powerful, but it is useless without humans. This is mainly because AI software is anything but error-free. Especially when producing program code, errors are virtually guaranteed.
Spectacular was the release of OpenAI’s AI textbot ChatGPT a few months ago. The tool can be fed with questions like Google. However, it does not spit out a list of links, but answers the question in text form.
