Prompting for Programmers: How Software Developers Can Use ChatGPT to Code Smarter, Not Harder

1. Code Generation with Context

Prompt:

“Write a Python script that reads a CSV file, filters rows where the value in column B is greater than 100, and saves the result to a new file.”

You can modify this with edge cases, comments, or additional features in follow-up prompts.

2. Explaining Complex Code Snippets

Perfect for understanding legacy code or onboarding junior devs.

Prompt:

“Explain what this React component does. Use plain English. Assume I have intermediate JavaScript knowledge.”

(Paste your code block below the prompt.)

3. Bug Fixing & Error Troubleshooting

Stuck with a stubborn error? Prompt ChatGPT like this:

Prompt:

“I’m getting a ‘TypeError: Cannot read property X of undefined’ in this JavaScript function. Can you suggest why and how to fix it?”

ChatGPT will analyze common causes and even suggest logging strategies.

4. Refactoring for Best Practices

Need cleaner, more maintainable code?

Prompt:

“Refactor this PHP code to follow PSR-12 coding standards and improve readability.”

You can also ask it to convert between languages (e.g., PHP to Node.js).

5. Documentation & Comments

Writing clear documentation is tedious. Prompt GPT to do the heavy lifting.

Prompt:

“Add inline comments to this Python function and generate a summary docstring.”

This helps in both code reviews and onboarding.

6. Learning New Languages or Libraries

Trying out Rust, Go, or Next.js? Let GPT tutor you.

Prompt:

“Act as a tutor. Teach me how to use useEffect in React with examples. I’m new to React hooks.”

You can also ask for comparisons between two methods or frameworks.