Power of Generative AI: Accelerating DevOps with ChatGPT and GPT-4

GPT-4 and ChatGPT (based on GPT-3.5), the release forms of generative AI, have ushered in a generational transformation in artificial intelligence. GPT technology is unlocking a future wherein industries that require novel human creation—gaming, art, coding, and marketing—will become a complex of human-machine symbiosis. This complex will introduce better, faster, and cheaper 'creation' across various verticals. According to BCG.com, generative AI will account for over 30% of the overall AI market by 2025.

GPT-4 and ChatGPT have over more than 100 million users today and these GPT trailblazers are on the path to revolutionizing how humans and machines interact. The conversational AI, built on the latest Generative Pre-Training language model, has been touted as a blessing for DevOps engineers. In this blog, we'll discuss how GPT technology can be leveraged for DevOps while accounting for its four main challenges.

We will also take a deep dive into this topic with a panel of experts at one of VLink’s recent webinars, 'Accelerating DevOps with ChatGPT'.

Leveraging ChatGPT for various DevOps processes

ChatGPT for coding

On a LinkedIn Skills Assessment for Python, ChatGPT managed to score better than 85% of the four million programmers who wrote the test. While the test itself was limited, with little to no critical thinking required, it brought to the fore the coding capabilities of ChatGPT.

DevOps engineers can leverage ChatGPT to increase coding productivity and speed. Repetitive coding tasks can be automated, freeing up personnel for cognitive and contextual coding projects that are too complex for ChatGPT. Moreover, with proper checks and balances, teams can significantly lower the defect rate of code generated by ChatGPT. But one of the biggest advantages of using ChatGPT to code for DevOps is accessibility. Non-tech stakeholders and novice coders can capitalize on the intuitiveness of ChatGPT to build applications.

 ​This will change the way we work with our clients, ChatGPT is exciting and will continue to be a game-changer in the all industries. 

ChatGPT can generate code from natural language inputs, support debugging, and build code documentation. You can also use it to understand the syntax and role of code pieces in various coding languages to improve collaboration.

ChatGPT for test automation

Shift-left testing has become an integral part of the agile workplace. While testing early in the development process shortens the feedback time and saves resources, it comes with challenges. Time is scarce, and testers are overburdened to complete testing within the sprint. Errors that need to be rectified in the next sprint can creep in, creating a lag between developers and testers. But with ChatGPT, DevOps teams can automate many testing processes.

ChatGPT can generate test code for specific code sequences in almost any language. It can also generate prosthetic test data within logical parameters for developers. But that's not all.

Many testers have begun using ChatGPT to make their test automation scripts more resilient and secure. ChatGPT has been shown to deliver code pieces that are secure by default. However, it's still imperative to verify all outputs manually. ChatGPT can be trusted to automate non-critical tests that only test one thing at a time, avoid hard-coded values, and use mock objects to isolate the code under test. More ambitious testers can also delve into parameter-based testing using ChatGPT if they consider all the variables.

ChatGPT for other DevOps use cases

Apart from code generation, debugging, documentation, and testing, ChatGPT fits into many other DevOps use cases. It can be used to build simple DevOps automation, frame single-line commands, build CI/CD pipelines, and review and analyze code for security teams.

But is ChatGPT invincible? Below we discuss a few challenges developers must remain aware of while working with ChatGPT.

ChatGPT limitations for DevOps engineers

● It cannot replace human critical thinking ability

Even at its best, ChatGPT is just an AI model that can identify patterns and generate answers based on its training data. It cannot eclipse human ingenuity or novelty. We can analyze the context, understand hidden currents, and use them to frame our answers. But expecting the same from ChatGPT is a mistake. It cannot handle large, complex coding projects that require a lot of context.

● It cannot think of new ideas

While ChatGPT can develop new iterations of existing solutions, it cannot generate new ideas beyond its training data. Human programmers can develop new ideas, translate them into workable concepts, and turn them into code.

● It is working with out-of-date data

ChatGPT doesn't have access to the internet, and its training data is limited to 2021. In 2023, much of this data may have become obsolete, affecting ChatGPT's resourcefulness.

● It has its own biases

One thing that it has in common with humans is bias. Ethical concerns with inherent biases in its training data have proven to be true to some extent. These biases need to be accounted for when using ChatGPT.

Best practices to get the most out of ChatGPT

Following these four practices will help eliminate many potential challenges and ensure your outputs remain accurate and contextual.

● Specify the version of the configuration

While working with configurations and applications with multiple versions, ChatGPT doesn't always use the latest or most relevant one. Due to a lack of contextual knowledge, ChatGPT can erroneously pick up an older version and display inaccurate results. This handicap can be overcome by simply including the exact configuration version in your initial prompt.

● Verify the output before using it

As intelligent as ChatGPT is, it is still in the early stages of development. Many experts have pointed out that ChatGPT can often return inaccurate outputs in situations requiring complex contextual knowledge. So, even if you think the output is error-free, go through it, understand it, and make the necessary changes before pushing the code into production.

● Use the OpenAI Playground tool

ChatGPT is a game-changer, but it comes with its limitations. For instance, not being connected to the internet can affect the viability of its answers. And for scenarios where ChatGPT doesn't return the required output, you can always turn to the OpenAI Platform Playground tool. It's a paid tool with a free trial but offers well-rounded answers for specific use cases.

● Use examples in your prompt

One way to introduce context into your communication with ChatGPT is to provide specific examples in your prompts. ChatGPT can better understand your expectations and deliver more relevant outputs with proper examples.

Working with ChatGPT can transform the DevOps landscape, making it much more efficient. It can generate code, conduct code reviews, create test data, automate testing, and add flexibility to your CI/CD pipeline. The possibilities are endless. And if you want to learn more about how to integrate ChatGPT into your DevOps processes, the webinar has brought together subject matter experts who have comprehensively covered ChatGPT—its advantages, challenges, use cases, best practices. The panel shared actionable insights for global IT decision-makers looking to automate their DevOps journey with the powerful ChatGPT tool.

GPT-4 Release: An upgrade to ChatGPT

OpenAI’s latest release, GPT-4, is essentially an upgrade to ChatGPT and the fourth version of their software.

According to the creator, GPT-4 is a large multimodal model, that surpasses ChatGPT in its advanced reasoning capabilities and outperforms it by scoring in higher approximate percentiles among test-takers.

VLink’s upcoming webinar in the GPT series “Harnessing the Power of GPT-4” has what you need to know about the latest generative AI overlord.

The webinar will explore the incredible capabilities of GPT-4 by developing a microsite live in 30 minutes!

Watch live session on Wednesday, June 7^th, 2023, at 11:00 AM ET; as the panel of experts transform a sketch into website code to build a fully functional website, demonstrating how GPT-4 can become a powerful asset for your development team!

If you're unable to make the live session after registration, you will automatically receive a link to the full webinar recording.

Register free for the upcoming GPT-4 webinar here today!