Learn AI-assisted Python Programming: With GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT by Leo Porter and Daniel Zingaro.
Leo holds an MS and PhD in Computer Science from the University of San Diego and is a Professor in Computer Science and Engineering at University of San Diego. Daniel holds a MS in Computer Science from McMaster University and PhD in Computer Science Education from the University of Toronto and is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.
Together, Leo and Daniel are sharing their to provide resources in leveraging both GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT to learn programming. Their book is targeting new users who seek to jump start their Python programming knowledge with modern AI tools.
Both are emphasizing how GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are certainly delivering Python coding more accessible, breaking down the long held traditional barriers to understanding syntax and focusing on how users can leverage Python to focus on problem solving. This does reveal how AI can update code and correct beginners mistakes.
Innovation for new programmers
This is very interesting since today there is no doubt that Copilot and ChatGPT has changed forever how new users can embrace AI services to gain quick success in writing Python programs. The benefit of this is really ground breaking for beginners and anyone who previously struggled with learning traditional programming with books or even instructor-led education.
How? Well anyone today can simply write prompts instructing Copilot or ChatGPT exactly what programming objective they seek to accomplish. Perhaps the game changer is how Copilot or ChatGPT will fix code via user prompts.
In fact, this allows Copilot or ChatGPT to even handle all the time consuming tedious details of programming, while even allowing Copilot or ChatGPT to test the program or present to the user tweaks to ensure the code is functional and efficient. At the surface this would leave the reader to question the need for human instructors. While this is not the sweeping change many may believe, it will shift the role of instructors.
Another book I would recommend on the role of AI and programming is Laurence Moroney’s excellent read: AI and Machine Learning for Coders.
In conclusion, this is a very welcoming book for anyone interested in learning Python programming. Coupled with the abilities of ChatGPT to even explain basic coding techniques to literally anyone young or old, this is dramatically improving the ability for more people to program.