How to Use AI-Powered Coding

Programmers are going to have some fun with this one. Picture the start of a typical day as a developer, all the priorities you need to set, preparation for any briefs you’ll get, and then the contingency planning on top of it all. Of course, nowadays with tools like Chat GPT, Visual Studio IntelliCode, and CodeSpace among other resources, the programming process has improved lightyears from what we had 10 years ago. 

With that in mind, let me ask you this (if you are a programmer); how much easier is it to approach a day on the job now compared to when you started programming? Better yet, how much easier would it have been for you to learn to code with the tools available today?

Answers to these questions will vary. A lot of software developers will argue that you need to learn the principles of programming without the “shortcuts” first and then introduce them as you get better. Others will argue that modern programming tools have made it much easier when learning to code and made the process more enjoyable. There really is no right or wrong answer to these questions because it comes down to one thing; these tools are the future. 

The Basics of AI-Powered Coding

AI advancements in the software development space will only get better and make the process more streamlined. Among the many tools programmers are leveraging in 2023, AI-powered code is a top choice to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their coding process. 

For the first example, we’re going to be looking at OpenAI’s Codex. Codex is an AI code assembler that uses machine learning to translate natural language into code. Here are 3 examples of using it: 

1. You’re creating a feature that tracks sample inventory in a LIMS system:

You could say to Codex: “Develop a functionality that can record and track the inventory of samples in the laboratory”

Codex will then: 

• Design a plan for a database that will store the following information: sample ID, sample type, quantity, and location.

• Implement CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations for managing the sample inventory.

• Develop a user interface that allows users to see and update sample inventory records as they go.

2. You’re creating a feature for insurance software that calculates premiums based on risk factors: 

You could say: “Build a component that calculates insurance premiums for different insurance policies based on factors such as age, location, and coverage type.”

Codex will then:

• Design a data model that can store policy details, consisting of customer information and risk factors.

• Develop algorithms that calculate insurance premiums based on the risk factors provided and the parameters of the given policy.

• Lastly, implement validation checks to ensure the premium calculations are appropriate.

3. Now you want a feature that automatically tracks budgeting and expenses for a FinTech platform:

You could say: “Create an interface that users can use to set budgets, track expenses, and generate reports on overall spending”

Codex will then: 

• Create the design for the interface where users can input budget categories, set spending limits, and track expenses.

• Develop algorithms that will categorize expenses based on predefined rules and transaction data automatically.

• Generate visual reports that users can use to understand their spending habits, see how well they adhered to their budget, and recognize trends in their expenses.

Codex is a great platform, but it’s not the only one. Platforms like Tabnine, Snyk, and IntelliCode all perform unique roles that help software developers perform at the next level— but the key is knowing how and when to utilize them.

What Tools to Use and When

As a software developer, your time down to the second is highly valuable, so anything that can streamline repetitive processes or reduce manual effort is a go. Software depends on context which means that the tools a developer uses will depend on the specific requirements of the project and the developer's preferences.

With that in mind, here are some ways the AI-powered coding tools we’ve mentioned can be used in different situations:

1. Project: You’re building a mobile app for a transportation company

Tabnine will be a great resource in this case to handle the following: 

• The coding process for the mobile app will be shortened thanks to Tabnine’s code completion ability.

• The system can give suggestions for implementing features such as map integration, user location tracking, and in-app notifications. 

• It will get the right APIs involved so that third-party transportation services can be integrated.

  2. Project: You need to design and build a Web App for an E-Commerce store

The Web App development process can become a lot more satisfying using IntelliCode because of the following: 

• Whether it’s HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Angular, React, Vue.js, or you name the web app development language or framework - IntelliCode can suggest relevant code completions based on the context using Deep Learning algorithms.

• Because IntelliCode is so great at detecting what is necessary to complete a code, its error-prevention ability is significant

  3. Project: Develop a Node.js-based REST API

Snyk will be great for the security aspect of your REST API. 

• It identifies any known vulnerabilities in the open-source libraries you're using with your API and then provides insights and actionable recommendations to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

• The good news is that this is not a one-and-done tool. Snyk can continue to monitor the system over time and keep identifying gaps to fill.

Why AI-Powered Code?

The advantages that come with properly utilizing AI coding tools are immeasurable. Software developers are performing at a new level in today’s world thanks to these advancements. This means that now is the time for a business to get on before you start getting dramatically outperformed. 

AI-Powered code relies on 5 key components which include; the data source, Natural Language Processing (NLP), code parsing, Machine Learning, and most importantly feedback and iteration from the software developer. The interaction aspect is what allows the AI models to refine their predictions and generate accurate, or more contextually appropriate coding suggestions. 

Written By Ben Brown

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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

Capital Expenses vs Operating Expenses and Which Will Optimize Your Software Purchases?

Investing in the right enterprise software is a crucial part of any successful business. In fact, with technological advances such as the cloud and SaaS, developing worldwide, not having the right software systems to keep up can be a make-or-break situation for your business.

When it comes to making the decision for which software purchase to choose there are so many factors to consider which ultimately take up a chunk of your time and resources. Then add on top of that trying to figure out which financial systems to use, and you have a recipe for disaster. To help speed up the process, we’ve put together a comparison list comparing Capital Expenses and Operating Expenses to help you make the wisest decision.

Definition of Capital Expenses and Operating Expenses

CapEx, otherwise known as Capital Expenses, are any investments spent on goods or assets. For example, property, infrastructure, equipment, even owned software licenses are all capital expenditures. The only thing with these CapEx investments is that you must keep them accounted for over their lifetime, usually 3 to 10 years, to reflect their current value.

Now OpEx, or Operation Expenses, have a completely different accounting system. When recording these expenses they will become a part of the company's profits and losses. This is simply because operating expenses are just what it takes to keep the business running.

Let's compare:

Purpose CapEx- Asset purchased with a life that goes beyond the current fiscal year.

OpEx- An ongoing cost.

Cost CapEx- One lump sum.

OpEx- Monthly or annually.

When Capex- Accounted for over 3 to 10 years.

OpEx- Accounted for in the current month or year.

Titled CapEx- Equipment, property asset.

OpEx- Operating cost.

Taxes CapEx- As the asset depreciates it is deducted over time.

OpEx- Just deducted in the current year.

Examples

CapEx- Purchasing a license to a software.

OpEx- Buying a desk to set up your workstation on.

Conclusion

Both CapEx and OpEx have their benefits but in recent years, the growing difficult economic times have put stress on businesses and many have started to opt for freezing capital expenses and converting them to operating expenses. Aside from the financial reasons for prioritizing operating costs, the ever-changing technology systems of new hardware or innovative SaaS also play a huge impact on not wanting to be tied down to one asset for years when the next better option is just around the corner. 

Therefore, moving to invest in flexible systems can be the best way to optimize your business. Operating expenses can eliminate the stress of system failures, and will put less stress on your accounting team trying to balance out the annual costs. Altogether, in this day in age, it is the most efficient way to grow your business by letting your team focus on doing what they do best.

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