Google’s AI Chatbot Bard Now Equipped to Assist with Programming and Software Development Tasks
Google revealed on April 21, 2023 that their chatbot, Bard, has received updates that allow it to provide support for programming and software development duties. In 20 programming languages, such as C++, Java, and Python, the chatbot can create code, fix code, and clarify code explanations.[0] For beginners who require additional guidance, this is fantastic news.[0] What's even more remarkable is that Bard has the ability to debug its own code. Furthermore, it has the capability to transfer Python code to Google Colab and facilitate the creation of functions for Google Sheets.
Since being released in March, Google's AI chatbot Bard has been able to help with everything from writing poetry to planning a vacation. The AI tool has acquired a new ability – coding.[1] Bard can help with “programming and software development tasks, including code generation, debugging and code explanation,” Google said in a blog post.
The Google Bard AI chatbot has the ability to execute assorted programming and software development assignments, which include producing code, rectifying code errors, and interpreting code. According to Google, coding has been one of its users' top requests, and now it has given Bard the ability to generate, debug, and explain code. Bard can now write in 20 programming languages, including C++, Java, JavaScript, and Python. Moreover, it includes the incorporation of Google's array of products, allowing the user to export code to Colab, the Python-based cloud notebook environment of the company, and even aid in creating functions for Sheets.
Bard was deemed unprepared by Jen Gennai's team responsible for “responsible innovation” at Google, but she went against their risk evaluation. The rationale behind cushioning Bard as an “experiment” was to initiate its launch and enhance it further based on the feedback received from the public.[2] Docs and Slides from Google now have AI capabilities, as the company recently announced.[2] However, this method has resulted in a negative impact.[2] ChatGPT is widely regarded as a superior product compared to Bard. Shortly after Google's announcement of Docs and Slides, Microsoft introduced comprehensive AI integration in all its work tools, including not only Microsoft Word and PowerPoint but also the entire Office suite, such as Teams and Outlook.[2]
According to reports, Google's team responsible for overseeing the use of AI submitted a risk assessment stating that Bard was not yet fit for launch as it posed a potential risk of causing harm. Google’s AI governance lead, Jen Gennai, said in a statement to SFGATE that reviewers don’t have final recommendations on product — she escalated the issue to senior leaders at the company, who approved Bard’s “experimental launch with continuing pre-training, enhanced guardrails, and appropriate disclaimers.”
The latest update to Google Bard introduces a new feature allowing users to view a wider range of distinct draft options.[3] Google’s next Bard update brings ‘more variety’ to drafts.[4] With expertise in over 20 programming languages, Bard is well-versed in popular ones like C++, Go, Java, JavaScript, Python, Typescript, and even advanced Google Sheets functions. Exporting Python code to Google Colab is possible without the need for copying and pasting, making it convenient to execute code in your browser.
At present, Google acknowledges that Bard could generate code that either doesn't yield the anticipated results or is deficient.[5] The technology giant recommends verifying and evaluating its replies beforehand.[6] If you encounter an error in Bard's output, you can easily debug it yourself by entering the phrase “this code didn't work, please correct it.” If you have some experience with programming but require assistance, the chatbot can aid you in optimizing your code for improved speed and efficiency.[5]
Artificial intelligence (AI) ethics has taken a back seat at Google, according to Meredith Whittaker, a former Google manager and president of the Signal Foundation. Whittaker says that “if ethics aren’t positioned to take precedence over profit and growth, they will not ultimately work.” Several of Google's AI ethics leaders have been fired or left the company in recent years. Bloomberg says that AI ethics reviews are “almost entirely voluntary” at Google.[7]
The recent enhancement of Bard primarily aims at simplifying the creation of collateral code rather than enhancing Bard itself.[8]
0. “Googles Bard Chatbot Now Equipped for Programming and Software Development Tasks” Best Stocks, 21 Apr. 2023, https://beststocks.com/googles-bard-chatbot-now-equipped-for-program/
1. “Google's AI Chatbot Can Now Help You Code” CNET, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.cnet.com/tech/googles-ai-chatbot-can-now-help-you-code
2. “Google launched Bard despite major ethical concerns from its employees” Mashable, 19 Apr. 2023, https://mashable.com/article/google-bard-ethics-employees
3. “Google employees reportedly bashed Bard before launch” SFGATE, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/bard-concerns-google-employees-ai-17907023.php
4. “Google Bard's Latest Update Boosts Creativity With More Drafts” Search Engine Journal, 20 Apr. 2023, https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-bards-latest-update-boosts-creativity-with-more-drafts/485119/
5. “Breaking News: Google’s new tool turns Bard into a code wizard” Gizchina.com, 22 Apr. 2023, https://www.gizchina.com/2023/04/22/google-bard-chatbot-programming/
6. “Google gives Bard the ability to generate and debug code” Engadget, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.engadget.com/google-gives-bard-the-ability-to-generate-and-debug-code-130024663.html
7. “Googlers say Bard AI is “worse than useless,” ethics concerns were ignored” Ars Technica, 20 Apr. 2023, https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/04/googlers-say-bard-ai-is-worse-than-useless-ethics-concerns-were-ignored
8. “Google Slips despite New Bard Developments” TipRanks, 21 Apr. 2023, https://www.tipranks.com/news/google-slips-despite-new-bard-developments
