In the past year, we’ve seen how ChatGPT has revolutionized coding with its ability to generate code snippets in various programming languages. After conducting several tests mainly focused on PHP and WordPress, I decided to delve deeper into the extent of ChatGPT's coding knowledge.

Curious about its performance across different programming languages, I revisited a traditional coding task: the classic "Hello, world" program. However, I added a twist—ChatGPT was tasked to output “Hello, world!” ten times, each time incrementing a counter, prefixed with appropriate greetings based on the time of day. This created a real-world scenario that would test the program flow and functionality of different coding languages.

I used 12 of the most popular programming languages identified by O’Reilly Media in 2023. While some of these languages may not dominate the industry, they represent a broad spectrum that showcases how well ChatGPT can handle diverse coding environments. Here’s what I discovered across these languages.

The Programming Languages Tested

1. Java

ChatGPT defines Java as a general-purpose language primarily used for building desktop, web, and mobile applications, boasting the "write once, run anywhere" philosophy. Originally developed by Sun Microsystems and later acquired by Oracle, Java’s open specifications contrast with its proprietary ownership, which has stoked legal disputes in the tech community.

2. Python

Python is described as a general-purpose language used for data analysis, AI, web development, and automation, favored for its readability. If you're aiming for a career in AI, Python is the way to go—most AI frameworks integrate tightly with it.

3. Rust

Rust stands as a systems programming language renowned for its memory safety and thread safety, making it ideal for high-performance software. Its emphasis on safety without a garbage collector reduces the chance of bugs in concurrent applications.

4. Go

Known for its simplicity, Go excels in building scalable and efficient applications, particularly for network and server solutions. Google oversees Go’s development, ensuring continuous improvements aligned with industry needs.

5. C++

As a powerful language for systems programming, C++ is indispensable for developing operating systems, game engines, and high-performance applications. It provides exceptional control over hardware, allowing programmers to optimize their applications effectively.

6. JavaScript

This ubiquitous client-side scripting language is vital for creating interactive web applications, beloved for its ability to run in various web browsers. Paired with CSS, it forms the backbone of dynamic web content.

7. C#

C# is a general-purpose language suited for developing Windows applications, games, and web services, recognized for its rich object-oriented features intertwined with the .NET framework. It opens doors for programmers seeking roles in Microsoft-based environments.

8. C

Regarded as a foundational systems programming language, C is often utilized for building operating systems and embedded systems, prized for its low-level memory control and efficiency. Its incredible simplicity and expressive power have left an indelible mark on many developers.

9. TypeScript

A superset of JavaScript, TypeScript is designed for large-scale applications, providing optional static typing—ideal for reducing runtime errors in complex systems. Its open-source nature has fostered a robust developer community.

10. R

Primarily used for statistical computing, R shines in data analysis and visualization tasks, thanks to its powerful libraries and simplicity in handling statistical operations.

11. Kotlin

As a modern language that enhances Java's capabilities, Kotlin is celebrated for its clarity and compatibility with existing Java codebases. It has become a preferred choice for Android development.

12. Scala

Scala bodes well for building scalable applications, blending object-oriented and functional programming paradigms. Its seamless integration with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) allows developers to leverage Java libraries efficiently.

Final Insights

Participating in this coding exercise was exhilarating. Although I didn’t test every output—given the scope of this exploration—I reviewed the codes, and for most languages, they appeared accurate and functional.

Interestingly, my past experience indicated that a year ago, ChatGPT produced proficient code outputs. It even correctly generated code in Forth, indicating consistent improvements in its coding capabilities. While there were some quirks, such as missing syntax highlighting for Scala and limited features for Forth, the overall performance was promising.

As we embrace AI in programming, it’s important to remember that ChatGPT is a tool to amplify your skills. Always double-check generated code and test thoroughly before deploying it. With the coding landscape continuously evolving, remaining cautious while harnessing this cutting-edge technology will ensure we can make the most of its offerings.

Explore this innovative AI tool today, and you may just revolutionize your programming routine!