Sometimes all we need is a good safe word! Even ChatGPT!
Tags: chatgpt, rust, devops, productivity
Published: 2024-06-23 22:27:49

## Using Safe Words with ChatGPT to Solve Complex Problems: A Must-Have Technique

When dealing with complex problems, communication clarity is crucial. In my recent experience, I found that using safe words with ChatGPT significantly enhanced my problem-solving process. Let me share how this simple technique can be a game-changer for developers and problem solvers alike.

### The Concept of Safe Words

Safe words are pre-defined signals used in various contexts to indicate a stop or pause, in the case of AI its to get it to stop responding or talking while you have multiple things you want to explain! 

### My Experience with ChatGPT

In a recent coding project, I was faced with a complex issue involving a { [Rust-based game server for Valheim](https://github.com/mbround18/valheim-docker). I needed ChatGPT’s assistance to navigate through multiple steps without losing track of the conversation’s flow or getting overwhelmed by the details. Here’s how I did it:

#### Setting the Rules

I started by defining a clear rule with ChatGPT: I would feed it information, and it would respond with "Ok" until I used the safe word "Pineapple." This ensured that I could provide all necessary details before ChatGPT processed and responded with a solution.

#### The Interaction

Here’s a snapshot of our conversation to illustrate this technique:

**User:** 
>I have a complex problem I am trying to solve; I will give you information and you will respond with Ok until I respond with Pineapple. Once I say Pineapple in my prompt you will use all the information I have given you and your knowledge base to come up with a potential solution, do you understand?

**ChatGPT:** 
> Ok.

**User:** 
> I have a UDP and TCP based game server wrapper build in Rust for a game called Valheim.

**ChatGPT:** 
> Ok.


**User:** 
> I need a way to monitor traffic on ports 
> - "2456:2456/udp"
> - "2457:2457/udp"
> - "2458:2458/udp"
> When it detects no activity it will pause a process by a process name. I have a way to get the process name.


**ChatGPT:** 
> Ok.


**User:** 
- **NOTE:** This was a pretty long output. Truncated for the article. it's just a tree of the src folder in the project. I pasted it directly into the chat with GPT so it could have its context.

```
Here is my src folder:

src
├── huginn
│   ├── Cargo.toml
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── main.rs
│   └── routes
│       ├── metrics.rs
│       ├── mod.rs
│       └── status.rs
├── odin
│   ├── Cargo.toml
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── build.rs
│   ├── cli.rs
│   ├── commands
│   │   ├── backup.rs
│   │   ├── configure.rs
│   │   ├── install.rs
│   │   ├── install_mod.rs
│   │   ├── logs.rs
│   │   ├── mod.rs
│   │   ├── notify.rs
│   │   ├── start.rs
│   │   ├── status.rs
│   │   ├── stop.rs
│   │   └── update.rs
│   ├── constants.rs
TRUNCATED
```


**ChatGPT:** 
> Ok.


**User:** 
> src/odin/server/process.rs has this functionality.


**ChatGPT:** 
> Ok.


**User:** 
> The process is started via this file src/odin/server/startup.rs.


**ChatGPT:** 
> Ok.


**User:** 
> Pineapple.


**ChatGPT:** 
> Given the requirements and the provided code structure, here's a potential solution for monitoring traffic on the specified UDP ports and pausing a process when no activity is detected...

#### The Benefits

1. **Controlled Flow of Information**: By using a safe word, I controlled when ChatGPT should start processing the data, ensuring it had all the context needed.
   
2. **Reduced Overwhelm**: Breaking down the information into manageable chunks made it easier for both me and ChatGPT to handle complex tasks without missing critical details.

3. **Enhanced Focus**: This method allowed ChatGPT to focus on providing a well-thought-out solution rather than responding prematurely to incomplete information.

### Implementing Safe Words in Your Workflow

To incorporate this technique in your workflow, follow these simple steps:

1. **Define a Safe Word**: Choose a unique word that you will use to signal ChatGPT to process the information and respond. Ensure it is a word unlikely to appear in your regular communication to avoid accidental triggers.

2. **Set the Context**: Inform ChatGPT at the beginning of your session about the safe word and the process. This helps in aligning the AI's responses to your communication style.

3. **Feed Information Gradually**: Provide the necessary details step-by-step, confirming each piece of information with a simple "Ok" response from ChatGPT.

4. **Use the Safe Word**: Once you have provided all the required information, use the safe word to signal ChatGPT to start processing and provide a solution.

### Conclusion

Now, I will not say this was all daisies. In true GPT fashion it yelled pineapple after a few prompts when it thought it understood everything. It gave me a partial answer which was incorrect, and I had to remind it: 

> I didn't say pineapple, you did, hold your response until I say pineapple. is that understood?

However, using safe words with ChatGPT is a powerful technique to solve complex problems effectively. It ensures clear communication, reduces overwhelm, and enhances the quality of the solutions provided by the AI. By implementing this strategy, developers and problem solvers can leverage ChatGPT more efficiently, leading to better outcomes and smoother workflows.

Try it out in your next complex problem-solving session and experience the difference it makes!