Unlocking the Power of Code Documentation with AskTheCode for ChatGPT4
Tags: chatgpt, documentation, devops
Published: 2023-09-02 12:46:02

## Introduction
Hey there, fellow DevOps enthusiast! Ever found yourself drowning in a sea of GitHub repositories, trying to make sense of codebases that look like a labyrinth? Or maybe you're tasked with onboarding new team members, and you wish there was a way to make the process smoother? Well, let me introduce you to the AskTheCode ChatGPT4 plugin. This bad boy is designed to bridge the gap between ChatGPT and GitHub repositories, making your life a lot easier. Stick around, and I'll break down why you should use it, how to get started, and even throw in some real-world examples using the official Kubernetes repository.

## TL;DR
AskTheCode is a ChatGPT4 plugin that helps you interact with GitHub repositories. It supports multiple programming languages and can work with both public and private repos. It's a game-changer for code documentation, onboarding new team members, and much more. You can install it directly from ChatGPT and start using it straight away, having the link of your repo.

## But Why to use AskTheCode in a DevOps and IaC Era?
DevOps is all about automating the software delivery process and improving collaboration between development and operations. Infrastructure as Code (IaC), on the other hand, is about managing and provisioning your cloud resources using code. Both of these domains involve a lot of codebase interaction, code reviews, and collaboration. Here's where AskTheCode can be a lifesaver:
### Code Reviews Made Easy
In DevOps, code reviews are crucial for maintaining the quality and reliability of the software. AskTheCode can help you quickly understand the logic and structure of pull requests. Imagine asking, "What does this new function in the Terraform script do?" and getting a concise, accurate answer. It's like having a code review assistant.

### Seamless Onboarding
New team members often struggle with understanding the existing infrastructure setup, especially if it's defined through IaC. AskTheCode can provide quick insights into what each part of the code does, making the onboarding process smoother. You could ask, "Explain the AWS setup in this Ansible playbook," and get a straightforward explanation.

### Documentation Gaps
DevOps and IaC often suffer from poor or outdated documentation due to the fast-paced nature of changes. AskTheCode can help identify these gaps. You could ask, "Is there any missing documentation for this Kubernetes deployment YAML?" and then act on it.

### Debugging and Monitoring
In DevOps, you often need to debug issues in real-time. AskTheCode can help by providing insights into common issues or bugs in the codebase. For example, you could ask, "What are common issues with this Dockerfile?" and get a list of potential pitfalls to avoid.

### Collaboration Booster
DevOps is all about collaboration, and AskTheCode can serve as a centralized knowledge base. Team members can ask questions about the codebase and get instant answers, reducing the time spent in back-and-forths and meetings.

### Version Control
In IaC, versioning is crucial. AskTheCode can help you understand the changes between different versions of your infrastructure code. You could ask, "What are the differences between version 1 and version 2 of this Terraform module?" and get a detailed comparison.

## How to Use it?
1. First things first, you'll need to install the AskTheCode plugin. AskTheCode documentation is clear, so you can follow it -> https://docs.askthecode.ai/getting-started/prerequisites/
2. Once installed, pick the GitHub repository you want to analyse.
3. Finally, start asking ChatGPT questions related to the repository.

## Do We Test It? Using the Official Kubernetes Repository
Alright, let's get our hands dirty with some real-world examples. Imagine you're a newcomer to the kubernetes open source project, working with the [Kubernetes repository](https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes). Diving into an open source project for the first time can be like stepping into a maze. But don't worry, AskTheCode can be your guide. Here are some questions that would be super helpful for onboarding:

1. **Project Overview**: "Can you summarize the main components and architecture of the Kubernetes project?"
	1. This will give you a 10,000-foot view of the project, helping you understand how all the pieces fit together.

2. **First Steps**: "What are some good first issues or beginner-friendly tasks in the Kubernetes repository?"
	1. This can help you find a starting point for contributing to the project, something that's manageable and yet impactful.

3. **Codebase Navigation**: "How is the codebase organized? Can you highlight the most important directories and files?"
	1. Knowing where everything is can save you a ton of time. It's like having a map of the labyrinth.

4. **Development Workflow**: "What's the typical development workflow for contributing to Kubernetes? Are there any specific coding guidelines?"
	1. Understanding the workflow and coding standards can help you integrate seamlessly into the team and contribute more effectively.

So imagine the potential that a tool like this can have in your company, in your team, in your life :P (perhaps I am a bit epic about it, but I am a knowledge base lover and this is gorgeous :P)

## Security Concerns and Downsides: A Word of Caution 🚨

While AskTheCode offers a plethora of advantages, it's essential to weigh these against some significant security concerns, especially if you're considering using this plugin within a corporate setting.

### Admin GitHub Privileges: A Red Flag 🚩
One of the most glaring issues is that AskTheCode asks for [admin-level GitHub privileges](https://github.com/askthecode/askthecode.github.io/issues/3). From a security standpoint, this is a big no-no. Admin privileges provide extensive access, including the ability to delete repositories, something that most third-party tools shouldn't require. Personally, I find no justification for such elevated access levels, and it raises questions about the plugin's data privacy and security measures.

### Legal Compliance
Before integrating any third-party tool like AskTheCode, it's crucial to consider its compliance with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA. This is particularly important if the tool will be interacting with private repositories containing sensitive or proprietary information.

### Internal Policies and Audit Trails
Your company's internal policies may have strict guidelines about third-party integrations. Additionally, the absence of an audit trail feature in AskTheCode makes it difficult to track interactions, which could be a compliance issue.

## Final Thoughts
So there you have it! AskTheCode can be a powerful ally in your DevOps journey, making tasks like code documentation and team onboarding a walk in the park. However, given security concerns, I can't recommend using AskTheCode for private company repositories. The risks, in this case, outweigh the benefits.

Fortunately, it will become in your best ally when used for open-source projects or hobby-related coding, the plugin can be incredibly useful. It offers a quick and efficient way to navigate through codebases, making it a valuable asset for individual developers and contributors in the open-source community.

Feel free to dive in and explore. Trust me, you won't regret it!