Unlock Code Editing Magic: ChatGPT Now Supports Direct Code Editing on macOS!
OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the cutting-edge AI-powered chatbot platform, has just rolled out a significant update for macOS users: the ability to directly edit code within popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). This feature is poised to enhance the coding experience for developers, allowing for seamless integration and efficiency.
New Code Editing Capabilities in ChatGPT for macOS
The latest version of the ChatGPT app for macOS now includes an innovative feature that enables users to edit code directly in several supported developer tools, such as:
- Xcode
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
- JetBrains IDEs
With the introduction of an “auto-apply” mode, ChatGPT can automatically implement code changes without requiring additional clicks, streamlining the development process for users.
Availability of the Code Editing Feature
As of Thursday, subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team plans can access the new code editing functionality by updating their macOS app. OpenAI has announced that this feature will be available to Enterprise, Edu, and free users next week.
Alexander Embiricos, an OpenAI product staff member, shared on X that a similar direct code editing feature for the ChatGPT app for Windows will be launched soon.
Enhancing Developer Productivity
This new capability builds upon OpenAI’s “work with apps” feature, which was launched in beta in November 2024. This feature enables the ChatGPT app to read code within select coding environments, significantly reducing the need for copying and pasting code into the chat interface.
Competing in the AI Coding Space
With the introduction of direct code editing, ChatGPT is now in competition with other popular AI coding tools such as Cursor and GitHub Copilot. OpenAI is also reportedly planning to launch a dedicated product aimed at supporting software engineering in the near future.
The Rise of AI Coding Assistants
AI coding assistants have surged in popularity, with a recent poll from GitHub indicating that a significant majority of developers are using AI tools in some capacity. Notably, Y Combinator partner Jared Friedman reported that approximately a quarter of YC’s W25 startup batch has generated 95% of their codebases using AI.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the advantages, there are inherent risks associated with AI-powered coding tools. A survey conducted by software vendor Harness revealed that developers often spend more time debugging AI-generated code and addressing security vulnerabilities compared to traditional human-written code. Additionally, a report from Google highlighted that while AI can expedite code reviews and improve documentation, it may compromise delivery stability.
For more information on AI in software development, check out our guide on AI coding tools.