Developers have discovered numerous unconventional applications for GPT-4, OpenAI’s latest large language model. A recent exploration on Hacker News revealed how coders are creatively using the LLM, and ChatGPT also chimes in with additional recommendations for developers.

• Writing RegExps

One developer reported using ChatGPT-4 for crafting regular expressions, highlighting the model’s excellence in this domain.

• SQL Queries

Another coder turned to ChatGPT-4 for assistance in writing complex SQL queries by providing table definitions and desired outcomes. Iterative refinement may be necessary to achieve accurate results.

• Prototyping

A developer utilized GPT-4 to brainstorm and prototype solutions for machine learning pipelines, React sites, and Python CLIs, demonstrating its versatility in problem-solving.

• Rubberducking

ChatGPT-4 serves as a virtual rubber duck, helping developers debug code by explaining it line by line, mirroring the traditional rubberducking technique.

• Personal Tutoring

While not perfect for pure development or peer review, ChatGPT-4 excels as a virtual tutor, clarifying follow-up questions and providing insights.

• Coding a Database

Developer Philip O’Toole leveraged ChatGPT-4 for various tasks, including coding a database, finding bugs, speeding up test cycles, reducing pressure on the garbage collector, and optimizing timer handling.

• Writing Micro-Benchmarks for C++

Simon Boehm noted using ChatGPT-4 to create micro-benchmarks for C++, emphasizing the need for good prompting.

• Explaining Assembly Code

Boehm utilized ChatGPT-4 to explain assembly code by inputting plain objdump – S output.

• Optimizing Code to Reduce Memory Usage

Developer Vitor Baptista successfully optimized Python code to reduce memory usage using ChatGPT-4, experimenting with different languages.

• Writing in JavaScript (or Any Unfamiliar Language)

A developer employed ChatGPT-4 to generate JavaScript code, a language not well-known to them, streamlining the coding process.

• Looking up How to Do Something

ChatGPT-4 proves valuable for looking up information and providing guidance on how to perform specific tasks.

• Frontend Writing

A developer used GPT-4 to write a React app and later requested enhancements to make it more visually appealing.

• Testing and Documentation

Some developers are already using ChatGPT-4 for unit testing and generating documentation, despite occasional imperfections in the code it produces.

• OpenSearch Query Building

A user found ChatGPT-4 helpful for building queries in OpenSearch, simplifying the process of extracting specific data.

• Getting the Ball Rolling in General

Developers use GPT-4 to initiate coding tasks, acting as a scaffold for learning complex concepts and languages.

• Image Processing

One programmer successfully employed ChatGPT-4 for image processing in OpenCV, saving time on understanding required transformations.

• Shell Scripting

The model is deemed excellent for shell scripting and assisting in fleshing out type definitions, showcasing its versatility.

Inspired by these applications, The New Stack consulted ChatGPT-4 for additional suggestions on leveraging the model for application development:

• Natural Language Processing

Integrating ChatGPT-4 into applications can enhance natural language understanding and generation capabilities, aiding in tasks like language translation, sentiment analysis, text completion, and summarization.

• Developing a Chatbot

ChatGPT-4 can serve as the backend for building chatbots, generating responses based on user queries or instructions.

• Generating Content

For applications requiring content generation, such as articles or social media posts, developers can utilize ChatGPT-4’s language generation abilities.

• Researching and Knowledge Assistance

The model can be used to summarize dense passages encountered during research, providing quick insights.

• Integrating a Virtual Assistant

Incorporating ChatGPT-4 into virtual assistant applications can offer intelligent and context-aware responses, assisting users with scheduling, reminders, recommendations, and general information retrieval.

• Following Best Practices for Code Generation and Debugging

ChatGPT-4 can provide insights into programming concepts and best practices, aiding developers in code generation and debugging.

• Simulating End User Interactions

Employing ChatGPT-4 to simulate user interactions can facilitate testing and functionality evaluation, allowing for sample inputs and scenario-based testing.