Chat GPT is a powerful AI tool for natural language processing tasks such as text generation and language translation. It is based on the most advanced language model GPT-3.5 (Generative Pretrained Transformer 3.5). It has a lot of benefits and can be used to create chatbots for customer service, generate responses to questions in online forums, or even create personalized content for social media posts.
As this tool can generate very good boilerplate code there is a buzzword that it will soon replace Salesforce Admin and Developer. In this post we will see can Chat GPT Replace Salesforce Developer?
We will use the below consideration for analysis
- Apex Code
- Configuration Changes
- Debugging Skills
- Unit Testing
- Document Preparation
- Collaboration with Team
- Requirement Analysis
- Performance Optimization
- Architectural Decision
- Frontend Development
Let us see each point one by one
1. Apex Code
As Salesforce Developers, we code as per our requirements. Chat GPT can also write code with clear requirements. But when we have a complex requirement like banking applications, developers can understand better which technique should be used.
Banking applications typically involve handling sensitive financial data, transactions, and compliance with regulations. These applications are built with security, scalability, and performance in mind. It would also require the ability to handle and process large amounts of data, and integrate with other systems such as payment processors and credit scoring systems. Additionally, it would require robust testing, monitoring, and performance optimization to ensure that it can handle high traffic and transactions.
GPT is a powerful language model that can automate certain language-related tasks, but it may not be the best fit for a complex system like a banking application.
Usage of GPT-
Developers can utilize GPT for BoilerPlate code and then change code as per requirement. This way they can reduce the time required to develop some components.
2. Configuration Changes
Salesforce configuration is a technical task that involves creating and modifying objects, fields, workflows, approval processes, validation rules, and other elements within the Salesforce platform. Configuration tasks sometimes require a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform, its capabilities, and limitations and are performed by specialized Salesforce administrators or developers. GPT can generate human-like text, but it is not capable of performing the technical tasks involved in Salesforce configuration.
Usage of GPT-
Right now we might use it for validation rules or formula generation.
3. Debugging Skills
Developers most of the time debug issues in existing code. They go each line by line and fine tune issues. Salesforce developers need to have experience in debugging and troubleshooting custom code and configurations, along with knowledge of the platform and common issues that may arise. They also need to be able to work with different teams to identify the root cause of problems and implement solutions that resolve them.
Salesforce developers should stay up-to-date with the latest features, tools, and best practices in the Salesforce ecosystem. Salesforce is a constantly evolving platform and it’s important for developers to be familiar with the latest changes and advancements, and be able to apply them to their solutions.
Chat GPT can check logs and replicate similar output but it does not have the ability to execute the code and identify the root cause of the errors. However, GPT can be trained to recognize and understand the structure of error messages, debug logs, and other outputs generated by software systems. This could potentially be used to automate tasks such as parsing and analyzing log files or summarizing error messages.
GPT can be used to generate example solutions for a specific problem based on provided data, which could be used to help identify the root cause of bugs or errors, but it would still require further analysis, testing and debugging by a developer.
Usage of GPT-
GPT can not debug code right now based on the raised issue but it can be used to document all those issues and solutions. These documents can be used later for similar issues. It can tell possible solutions but decisions or execution will be done by developer only.
4. Unit Testing
Unit testing is a software testing method in which individual units or components of a software system are tested in isolation, to ensure they function correctly. GPT can be trained on examples of test cases and test plans, and then used to generate similar test cases, in order to automate the creation of test cases. This can save time and effort for developers, but it would still need to be executed by a developer or test automation tool to ensure the correctness of the code.
GPT can also be used to generate the test documentation, such as test case requirements, user stories, or acceptance criteria, by understanding the natural language inputs and mapping them to the technical requirements, but this would still require the developer to do the actual test implementation and execution.
GPT can be useful in providing suggestions for test data inputs, for example, GPT can be trained to understand the expected results for a test case and provide a set of inputs that should produce the expected results, helping the developer to create more complete test suites.
Usage of GPT-
GPT can be used to generate test cases and acceptance criteria based on the user story. Developer/Tester can verify these documents and can use it for execution. This can reduce their effort in tasks.
5. Document Preparation
Developers can utilize GPT to generate developer documentation that is aimed at end-users, by providing it with user requirements, use cases, and other inputs, GPT can generate user-friendly documents such as user guides, tutorials and FAQs that can help end-users understand how to use the software or services.
Usage of GPT-
GPT can be used to generate test cases and acceptance criteria based on the user story. Developer/Tester can verify these documents and can use it for execution. This can reduce their effort in tasks.
6. Collaboration with the Team
While working on projects multiple teams are involved to complete it. Each team has to complete its parts. They connect with each other and discuss the plan, progress, and next phase of the project. It is not always code that needs to be discussed among the team, sometimes we need to discuss regulations, policies, timelines, etc.
One way GPT can assist in collaboration is by generating automated and personalized responses for routine communications such as status updates, meeting agendas, or progress reports, this can save time and effort for team members and allows them to focus on more important tasks.
Additionally, GPT can assist with code reviews by generating detailed feedback on code snippets and identifying potential issues, it can also help with bug tracking by generating explanations and suggestions on how to reproduce and fix the bugs.
Usage of GPT-
GPT cannot do collaboration within the team but it can help in documenting the output of team collaboration. This can be referenced later.
7. Requirement Analysis
Requirement Analysis is one of the important tasks that developers do based on the client’s/stakeholder’s discussion. They have to understand the system and its limitation and then see which solution will fit most. This analysis might require multiple team involvement.
GPT can help with requirement prioritization by generating a list of features and functionality, with their importance and priority, based on inputs provided by stakeholders. GPT can not replace the human interaction, critical thinking, and creativity involved in requirement analysis, it’s only there to assist and be an extra tool to be used in the development process.
Usage of GPT-
GPT cannot do requirement analysis right now as it might involve a lot of discussions involve within the team. They can be used for required documentation and what were solutions for that analysis. This can help in a later stage for similar requirement analysis.
8. Performance Optimization
GPT can assist in performance optimization by generating suggestions for code improvements, based on the input provided, such as the codebase and performance metrics. GPT can analyze the code and provide suggestions on how to improve performance, such as reducing the number of function calls, reducing the complexity of algorithms, or caching data.
GPT can assist in performance optimization by generating queries and indexes that can improve the performance of database operations. GPT can analyze the database structure, tables, and query patterns, and generate suggestions to improve the query performance by creating the appropriate indexes, modifying the table structure, or rewriting the queries.
Usage of GPT-
GPT-generated suggestions should always be verified, tested, and implemented by an experienced developer. GPT can not replace human expertise and experience in performance optimization, it’s only there to assist and be an extra tool to be used in the development process.
9. Architectural Decision
When an Architect take an architectural decision, he/she has to see a lot of parameters like the choice of programming language, framework, or technology stack; the choice of design patterns or architectural styles; the choice of data storage and retrieval mechanisms; and the choice of system deployment and scaling strategies. These decisions can have a significant impact on the maintainability, scalability, and overall quality of the software system, and so they must be made with care and with a deep understanding of the requirements and constraints of the system being developed.
GPT may not have the domain expertise or knowledge of specific constraints and requirements needed to make fully informed architectural decisions. GPT is a tool to assist in the decision-making process rather than relying on its output alone.
Usage of GPT-
GPT can suggest high-level architectural ideas based on the given requirement. The architect/developer has to deep dive and write proper architecture.
10. Frontend Development
Developer/Administrator creates UI using LWC/Aura/VF or Screen flow based on the requirement. They use CSS/HTML/Javascript to code for various pages. GPT can be used to create code using HTML/javascript but it will take time to make a beautiful UI. GPT is not designed to generate visual components.
Usage of GPT-
GPT can generate HTML/javascript code but it is not built for visual design.
Summary for Chat GPT:
ChatGPT is a tool that can assist with writing code, but it cannot replace the creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills of a software developer.
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2 comments
Hi Dhanik! Thank you for making this article!
I’m deciding between starting a career as a SF dev and a fullstack webdev. Considering the upcoming rise of AIs, which one do you think it’s the smarter/safer choice?
I’m aware that predicting what will happen may be a shot in the dark, but I still want to know your opinion.
Hey Eplo,
AI will be better for the future. Salesforce is also good as you mentioned that you are focusing on FullStack. Full Stack is always in demand.
Thank You,
Dhanik