Using ChatGPT to write PowerShell scripts, SQL code, etc

I've started to play around, nothing too serious yet, with asking ChatGPT, the free version, to write PowerShell scripts. I'm not proud of that but this grey old head doesn't learn new languages the way he used to when he listened to ABBA and the BeeGees.

So I'm wondering what more experienced people think of htis idea. Am I just causing headaches for myself? Better AI models than ChatGPT for this purpose?

I kinda/sorta/not really know SQL, so I'm also thinking I could use ChatGPT to write scripts programs that use sqlite3 database. And if all that works, then maybe even lua scripts for Adobe Lightroom Classic.

1. the script will be working.
2. the code quality is mediocre.

hence, we tried awhile but not any longer.
my computers are mainly running python, excel macro, , ,

GitHub Copilot is better at writing code. It is purpose-built for this.

I use ChatGPT to code for me with some success. But only simple things.

I use AI a lot as a coding aid (mostly GitHub Copilot with C#). It relieves me of a lot of tedious research and trial and error to get the structure and syntax correct for Windows APIs.

In general, the smaller the task you give it each time, the greater the success. But a smaller command line tool can be written almost in one go if you give it good instructions. The best instructions are pseudo code. If you write out well thought out pseudo code, the AI can translate that into whatever language you choose.

I find that the results are better with a stricter language, such as C#, than PowerShell. You must also be sure to tell the AI the target context (.Net version, PowerShell version, etc.). For programs with a GUI, you have to break things up into well organized pieces in order to effectively use AI, but it can't see the GUI results, so it's a lot of back and forth.

You have to always keep in mind that it can't see over your shoulder, but it can see your existing code in Copilot. Copilot is also handy for things like code review. You can ask it to review your code and suggest improvements and it usually finds something.

I also use AI for refrence on daily basis for small code questions. Somehow i do like CoPilot, however copy pasting from there always seem to go wrong. Go wrong in that some sections i select, get deselected when copying.. So i use other AI websites, and not use CoPilot, maybe once a week, when other AI can't get things right.
For code reviews i use LLM Local AI, so that the codes not get stolen and used in training for AI models. So that means i only ask questions to internet AI on how to do something, rather then copy en past existing code and ask it to change it.

Here is a good example of why I use ChatGPT. I asked "how to enable hibernate".

To enable Hibernate in Windows 11 (or Windows 10), follow these steps:

1. Enable Hibernate in Power Options​

1. Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
3. Click Choose what the power buttons do from the left panel.
4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
5. Under Shutdown settings, tick Hibernate.
6. Click Save changes.

2. Check if Hibernate is Enabled in the System​

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run this command:
   powercfg /availablesleepstates<br>
   If Hibernate is not listed, continue to step 3.

3. Enable Hibernate via Command Line (If Needed)​

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following and press Enter:
   powercfg /hibernate on<br>

4. Verify Hibernate File Size (Optional)​

The hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) can be adjusted for faster startup:

• To reduce it to 50% of RAM size(enough for Fast Startup but not full hibernation):
  powercfg /h /type reduced<br>
• To restore full hibernation:
  powercfg /h /type full<br>

5. Add Hibernate to Start Menu (If Missing)​

If you don’t see Hibernate in the Start menu:

1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
3. Tick Hibernate under Shutdown settings.

After this, Hibernate should work. Let me know if you run into issues.

LesFerch said:

GitHub Copilot with C#… relieves me of a lot of tedious research and trial and error to get the structure and syntax correct for Windows APIs.

Click to expand...

Check out CsWin32 in NuGet.

pseymour said:

Check out CsWin32 in NuGet.

Click to expand...

I saw that but I didn't bother trying it because GitHub Copilot works so well for me.