OpenAI just released a coding tool to “help” programmers (maybe replace their jobs)
Openai has launched a new proxy coding tool that has the potential to make the freshest code monkey a software superstar. The company's code announced Thursday represents a new sidebar feature in Openai's flagship product, Chatgpt. Although it is obviously an exciting event in the field of software development, it seems possible that the tool will completely replace skilled encoders.
The company said Codex can complete the encoding task, just like the rest of Chatgpt, all users need to do is enter a prompt and click the button marked “code.” Among other things, Codex can read and edit computer files and run commands. It can also probe the user's code base and answer questions about it. To do this, all the user has to do is enter the query and click the button marked “Question”. Openai said the program “task completion” usually takes 1 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the requested task.
OpenAI also notes that Codex's workflow is 100% auditable and that users can view “view their actions through references to terminal logs and test outputs”, which allows users to “track every step taken during task completion”. The encoding takes place in an orphan environment and can then be easily integrated into the local environment or uploaded to GitHub's code.
Tech companies are increasingly automating their code writing, and Codex will undoubtedly help. Unfortunately, this automation tool can cause huge trouble to the coder economy, which does not seem impossible. Why have you had trouble hiring skilled engineers if you could hire half of the senior coder, get the junior coder in your hands, and then get a basically completed software product?
It is understandable that the Codex can be used maliciously (if unskilled encoders can enjoy this tool, it seems like Script Kiddies will have a live day), but Openai claims it has built safeguards into the tool to prevent this from happening. “Protecting malicious applications that drive AI-powered software engineering, such as malware development, is becoming increasingly critical. It is unclear what these safeguards are. Gizmodo contacted Openai for more information.”
Codex is currently enjoying a research preview and will initially be used to subscribe to tier catgpt users. Starting today, Chatgpt Pro, Enterprise and Team users will all have free access to the tool, Openai said. Ultimately, access to the tool can be extended. While there is no additional fee to use Codex for subscribers at this time, the company said the additional use of “restricted access and flexible pricing options” will be launched later.
