Open source tools are software programs that can be used, changed, and shared by anyone. Unlike paid or “closed source” software, where only the firm that created it has the capability to alter, open source initiatives allow people to join in and improve them together. Some well-known open source applications are the Firefox browser, the Linux operating system, and the VS Code editor. Newbies can also create their own open source tools—small applications that solve specific problems—and share them with the world.
Due to AI tools like ChatGPT, it is now easier to make open source software, even for newcomers. Whether you want to develop a simple script to automate a thing, a small web tool, or improve an already existing project, ChatGPT can help by suggesting ideas, coding, debugging, and even documenting.
How ChatGPT can help you in developing an open source tool
If you have an idea for a tool but are not certain about how to create it, ChatGPT can help you figure it out. You can describe your idea in natural language, and the AI can suggest how to turn it into a basic program. For example, if you want to create a tool that has the ability to rename multiple files at once, ChatGPT can suggest Python and even draft a basic version of the script.
If you have a concept, ChatGPT can help you with coding. For instance, if you want to make a basic calculator that runs in the terminal, you can request ChatGPT to give you the basic structure, and it will give you a working example in your desired programming language. Even if you don’t know how to code, the AI can break it down into simple steps to follow.
Another thing that ChatGPT can help with is debugging errors. If your program doesn’t run, you can copy the error message into ChatGPT, and it will give you possible solutions. This is a great way to learn when you are debugging your program.
Finally, if you’d like to share your tool with others, you’ll need a short explanation of how your tool works. ChatGPT can help you write a simple “README” file, which tells users what your tool does and how to use it. This makes it easy for users to understand as well as contribute to your project.
Helpful prompts for beginners
To get the best out of ChatGPT, one must be specific and clear in questioning. The following are example prompts you can use:
“I would like to create a simple to-do list app in Python. Can you offer a simple way to begin?”
“Write a Python program that renames all files within a directory by adding numbers at the beginning of their names.”
“My code is giving me an error. This is the error message: [paste the error]. What’s it trying to tell me, and how do I correct it?”
“Explain how this piece of code works in simple English: [paste the code].”
“Help me write a README file for a small project that takes text files and converts them to PDFs.”
Tips for better results
Be specific: Instead of just saying, “Write a program for me,” describe what you would want it to do.
Ask for explanations: If the code ChatGPT gives you is not clear to you, ask it to go through each part step by step.
Break big tasks into small ones: Instead of asking for a whole project at once, start with very small parts and build up.
Always test the code: AI-written code is not always flawless. Run it, see what it does, and adjust it accordingly.
Creating an open source tool does not have to be difficult, even for a beginner. With ChatGPT, you can get help at every level—from conceptualization to coding and debugging. By asking the right questions and experimenting with small projects, you can start creating your own open source tools and sharing them for others to use. The best way to learn is by doing, so why not start your first project right away?
