AI Tools in Programming

Description

AI tools promise to make our programming workflows faster and more efficient. If applied correctly, such tools help us write better code, be more productive and learn new techniques easily. In this lecture, I will present some AI tools for programming (mainly GitHub Copilot) and show examples of how they can be integrated into our daily workflows for different purposes. I will also briefly talk about the problems and ethical concerns that come with such tools in science. Join me if you are interested!

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Overview of AI tools for programming

Browser-based chat bots

AI powered data-analysis

  • Rtutor: Browser-based tool where you can ask questions about R and data analysis. You can also upload a dataset and ask the AI to analyse it. You can then download the corresponding R script or Rmardown report.
    • There is also a corresponding R package that you can install to use locally. But for this you need to have your own OpenAI API key, so it is a bit more work to set up.
  • Data Analyst GPT: ChatGPT specialized to analyze data. You can upload files (e.g. data) and let GPT analyse it. You can then also download the code. To access the plugin, you need a subscription to ChatGPT (~20$ per month)

Integrated AI tools

  • They are integrated into your IDE directly and help you with coding
  • GitHub Copilot: One of the most widespread integrated tool. Gives you inline code suggestions and a chat. Great to code faster, write better code, debug, let the AI explain code etc. See below for details.
  • Codium AI: Free tool that is great for explaining code, generating tests, improving and refactoring your code.

GitHub Copilot

Concerns and Guidelines

Please note that the guidelines are constantly changing and evolving. So please check guidelines that are relevant for you regularly.

Most important are guidelines of your university and the journals you want to publish in.