ChatGPT: My Co-Developer for Mundane Tasks
Tags: chatgpt, ai, productivity, programmers
Published: 2023-09-08 16:35:12

We’ve all had those moments: deeply engrossed in coding, we suddenly realize we’re spending too much time on stuff that isn’t actual coding.

It’s a universal pain point — studies show that developers can spend up to 35% of their time on non-coding activities.

But ChatGPT can help. This smart tool acts like a co-coder, doing the dull stuff for you. This article will show you how ChatGPT can make your work easier.

## 1\. Automated Documentation

Documentation can be tedious, but it’s essential for maintainability. ChatGPT can relieve you of some of that burden.

For instance, if you’ve created a function that sorts an array of integers uniquely, describe this to ChatGPT. Within moments, it can generate a first draft of your documentation, which you can polish.

## 2\. Quick Error Checks

If you’ve sunk into the black hole of Stack Overflow while debugging, you’re not alone. ChatGPT can streamline this process for you.

Just explain the error messages you’re encountering; it will provide potential fixes, code snippets, and explanations to help you. This can save you hours of frustrated web searches.

## 3\. Code Commenting

Imagine revisiting a project six months down the line and struggling to understand your code — something most of us have been guilty of.

Good commenting can prevent these awkward situations. ChatGPT excels in this area; tell it about your code, and it will generate insightful comments that can aid you and anyone else working on the same codebase.

## 4\. Code Snippet Generation

We often reuse the same design patterns or functions in different projects. Instead of searching for old code or starting from scratch, ChatGPT can help.

Describe what you need, like “I need a Python function for calculating factorial,” and ChatGPT will produce a handy code snippet for you. This not only saves time but ensures you start with a sound foundation.

## 5\. Quick Refactoring Suggestions

Although refactoring is crucial for good coding, we often delay it because of time constraints.

If you share your code with ChatGPT (while being mindful of privacy and copyrights), it can offer ways to make your code cleaner and more efficient.

In the fast-paced world of development, small efficiency gains can add up to significant time savings.

## 6\. Email Drafting
![A man sitting at a desk looking at a laptop screen.](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hdx52jifv03nxk49r3bb.png)

Communication is as crucial to development as writing good code. We’ve all stared at a blank screen, trying to compose a technical email that hits all the right notes.

ChatGPT can assist you here as well. Feed it the key points you need to cover, and it will draft a coherent and effective email for you, leaving you with more time for coding.

## 7\. Meeting Summaries

Meetings, while necessary, can be another time drain. Instead of manually writing all the discussion points, decisions, and actions, ChatGPT can do it for you.

Share your rough notes with it; it will deliver a clean, structured summary, freeing you to focus on the tasks.

## 8\. API Endpoint Testing

Checking API is necessary but can be tedious since it requires verifying many scenarios, inputs, and outputs.

Here, too, ChatGPT can be your ally. Explain what needs to be tested, and it can create test cases or mock responses, which help you develop faster.

## 9\. Regular Expression Crafting

Creating the perfect regex string is often a game of trial and error. ChatGPT can help you save time by suggesting a regex string and introducing new regex features.

## 10\. Template Generation

No one likes to write boilerplate code. ChatGPT can create templates if you frequently make similar structures, such as RESTful APIs with standard endpoints.

This speeds up your development process and ensures you’re not bogged down by repetitiveness.

## 11\. Learning New Syntax

In a constantly growing field, developers have no choice but to be lifelong learners. When you need to grasp a new syntax quickly, ChatGPT can come to the rescue.

If you’re moving from Python to Ruby and don’t understand arrays, ChatGPT can provide you with an example to avoid searching through the long docs.

## 12\. Search Optimization
![A person typing on a laptop with google on the screen.](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/y3w2efjsdq14f90j5qit.png)

Before you turn to your search engine of choice and sift through pages of results, why not ask ChatGPT? A concise question can yield a targeted answer, saving you the trouble of endless browsing.

## 13\. Task Prioritization

Project management isn’t just for PMs; developers, too, need to prioritize tasks effectively. ChatGPT can help you list out your jobs based on deadlines, dependencies, and overall importance, acting as a virtual project manager.

## 14\. Automated Q&A for Projects

Have you answered the same questions repeatedly on your project’s FAQ or community forum? ChatGPT can help automate this process, acting as a first line of support and saving your invaluable time.

## 15\. Coding Challenges

If you’re involved in the hiring process, you know that creating coding challenges can be as complex as solving them.

Let ChatGPT know the skills you’re looking to assess, and it can whip up balanced questions that simplify your recruitment efforts.

## 16\. Quick UI Mockups

ChatGPT can also be of service in the design aspect of development. Describe the interface you have in mind, and ChatGPT can offer layout suggestions, which can serve as a significant starting point for your design.

{% twitter https://twitter.com/mainulspace/status/1699638679831036377?s=20 %}

## 17\. Mental Breaks

Programming is intense work, and sometimes you need a breather. ChatGPT offers an alternative to scrolling through social media for your breaks.

Have a quick, fun conversation or quiz to refresh your mind and get back into the coding groove.

## 18\. Codebase Navigation

Navigating through an extensive codebase can be daunting. If you’re feeling lost, ChatGPT can guide you on where to look based on what you’re trying to accomplish, making your acclimation process smoother.

## Conclusion

ChatGPT is more than just a convenient tool; it’s like an extra pair of hands helping you manage the often mundane but necessary tasks in coding.

Whether stuck, overwhelmed, or looking to be more efficient, remember that ChatGPT is just a query away.

If you found this guide helpful or have additional insights on ChatGPT, please share your thoughts, questions, or experiences. You can reach me on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/mainulspace) or [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mainulspace/).

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