I started development of the AI Powered Chatbot for WordPress plugin using Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code (commonly referred to as VS Code). It features support for intelligent code completion and embedded Git, two features that were important to me among others.
Two VS Code extensions that have helped me with development are GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot Chat. Copilot Chat is a companion extension that allows me to ask questions in chat about my code, offers to explain how the code works and makes suggestions about changes. It has been very helpful in developing the plugin – it’s been an excellent coding buddy.
Welcome, @kognetiks, I’m your Copilot and I’m here to help you get things done faster. You can also start an inline chat session.
I’m powered by AI, so surprises and mistakes are possible. Make sure to verify any generated code or suggestions, and share feedback so that we can learn and improve. Check out the Copilot documentation to learn more.
So has ChatGPT. When embarked on this journey in April of 2023, OpenAI had released GPT-3.5. As soon as I could I added a subscription to ChatGPT Plus which gave me access to GPT-4 – OpenAI’s most advanced model – it’s also been an excellent coding buddy.
Between Copilot Chat and ChatGPT 4, I have the world’s experience available at my fingertips to answer coding questions, get suggestions, and help me debug when it doesn’t work exactly like I expected.
I’m also adding JetBrain’s PhpStorm integrated development environment (IDE) which is suitable for backend, frontend and full-stack work. PhpStorm is ideal for development in PHP, HTML and JavaScript – the three core technologies upon which the AI Powered Chatbot for WordPress plugin is built.
GitHub’s Copilot is already integrated into JetBrain’s IDE and Copilot Chat is in private beta (November 2023). I’ve applied for the private beta and hope that they’ll admit me or will release a version to paying Copilot customer soon.
When that happens, I’ll likely move from VS Code to PhpStorm. Right now, I have them both open side-by-side as I’m still learning my way around PhpStorm. So, it has been helpful to see both IDEs next to each other. Sometimes working in one and sometimes working in the other.
What I noticed with PhpStorm from the start was that it could inspect some or all of the plugin project. And after the first pass, there was a lot of recommendations – everything from spelling mistakes in my text to recommendations about unreachable code blocks. After the first pass, I made many corrections, to the easy stuff to fix – spelling errors and what not. Not that I’ve become more use to the environment, I’m looking at other errors, warning, and weak warnings. Eventually I will have worked through them all.
BTW I asked ChatGPT what I should expect from using PhpStorm. Here’s what ChatGPT had to say about it.
PhpStorm is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your coding experience, especially if you work with PHP. Here are a few benefits:
- Intelligent Coding Assistance: PhpStorm understands your code deeply and provides smart completion of code, error detection, and quick fixes, making coding faster and more accurate.
- Efficient Navigation and Search: You can easily navigate through your code, find where specific things are declared, or where they are used, saving time when working on large projects.
- Easy Debugging and Testing: With built-in tools for debugging, you can quickly find and fix issues in your code. It also supports various testing frameworks, which helps ensure your code works as expected.
- Version Control Integration: PhpStorm seamlessly integrates with popular version control systems, allowing for easy tracking of changes and collaboration with others.
- Customizable Environment: You can tailor the development environment to your liking, choosing themes, plugins, and shortcuts that suit your workflow.
These features combine to make PhpStorm a comprehensive and user-friendly tool for PHP development.
You can learn more about these products here:
Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code
https://code.visualstudio.com/
GitHub’s Copilot
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=GitHub.copilot-chat
JetBrains’ PhpStorm
https://www.jetbrains.com/phpstorm/
My expectation? Better code that’s easier to maintain. The AI Powered Chatbot for WordPress plugin continues to evolve thanks to these powerful tools. This leverage will help me continually improve the plugin and provide a better experience for all our users.
#AIinDevelopment #VSCode #GitHubCopilot #PhpStorm #WordPress
About the Author
Stephen Howell is a multifaceted expert with a wealth of experience in technology, business management, and development. He is the innovative mind behind the cutting-edge AI powered Kognetiks Chatbot for WordPress plugin. Utilizing the robust capabilities of OpenAI's API, this conversational chatbot can dramatically enhance your website's user engagement. Visit Kognetiks Chatbot for WordPress to explore how to elevate your visitors' experience, and stay connected with his latest advancements and offerings in the WordPress community.
