Automate the Boring Stuff with ChatGPT

So, as the title suggests, I want to talk about automating boring stuff with ChatGPT. In the past, we had of course “Automating the Boring Stuff with Python,” but now it’s even easier to delegate relatively mindless or time-consuming tasks to ChatGPT at a minimal or no cost.
Firstly, it’s important to note that ChatGPT is not flawless. If you expect it to provide a 100% correct answer right away, you will be disappointed. This limitation applies to any generative AI, and it’s unlikely to change within the next 18 months, even under the most optimistic circumstances.
ChatGPT does not possess instant knowledge on every topic. It can provide a summary or a basic understanding of a subject, but it may not be perfect from the start. To understand how GPT works, it essentially scrapes information from the internet and uses that as the basis for its responses. The quality of ChatGPT’s answers depends on the frequency of searches, discussions, and information available online regarding a particular topic. For example, if you search for “why is the sky blue,” which is a common question with numerous online resources, ChatGPT will likely provide an accurate answer. However, if you ask about something obscure like Game Maker Studio, it may give you a response that is somewhat related but not necessarily applicable, especially if the information is outdated due to software updates.
Now let’s explore some examples of how ChatGPT can be used. One practical application is generating content for videos and shorts. While I usually write most of my videos and blog content myself, there are times when I need to quickly produce something for experimental purposes. In such cases, I rely on ChatGPT to generate the content. There are services like Kapwing or Canva that combine ChatGPT with other integrations to create videos. However, it’s worth noting that the generated writing may be mediocre, and for topics like TikTok, which ChatGPT may not fully understand, the generated content may not accurately reflect the platform’s principles.
Another valuable use case is transcribing and summarizing. For instance, the written version of this video on my blog is generated by ChatGPT. It takes the transcript of what I’ve said, determines the important points, and provides a concise summary. While it’s recommended to watch the video for the full experience, the written summary is convenient for those seeking quick information.
ChatGPT can also assist with programming help. It performs well when it comes to common programming languages, such as HTML or popular frameworks like React and Vue, due to the abundance of online resources available. However, for more obscure languages or versions with significant differences, ChatGPT’s assistance may be limited. For example, if you’re using an outdated version of a game engine like Game Maker Studio or Unreal Engine, the advice provided by ChatGPT may not be applicable to the current version.
In terms of work-related tasks, ChatGPT can help automate the initial setup, allowing you to focus on editing and debugging. Similarly, for day-to-day activities, ChatGPT can provide recipe suggestions based on the ingredients you have in your fridge. While it may occasionally add additional ingredients, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your needs.
Lastly, ChatGPT can be used for tech support. If you’re facing a specific issue and struggling to find relevant information online, you can describe the problem in detail to ChatGPT. It can guide you through troubleshooting steps, providing recommendations and solutions. However, just like with other use cases, ChatGPT’s effectiveness depends on the popularity and prevalence of the issue online.
To conclude, these are a few examples of how ChatGPT can be utilized to automate tasks that you may not enjoy, such as clearing out your fridge, content writing, coding quick projects, or finding solutions to frustrating problems. While ChatGPT is not perfect, it can alleviate some of the burdens associated with these tasks.
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