For IndividualsFor BusinessesFor UniversitiesFor GovernmentsExploreOnline DegreesCareersLog InJoin for Free0DataData ScienceWhat Is ChatGPT? Meaning, Uses, Features, and MoreWhat Is ChatGPT? Meaning, Uses, Features, and MoreWritten by Coursera Staff • Updated on Dec 20, 2024Learn more about what ChatGPT is and how best to use it safely and responsibly.You may have already picked up on the buzz surrounding ChatGPT. But what exactly is this latest tool in the world of ? In this article, we'll introduce ChatGPT and the technology that powers it. We'll also cover its features and limitations, as well as present some tips on how it should (and potentially should not) be used.For hands-on practice using ChatGPT, explore Vanderbilt University's .What is ChatGPT?ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence from OpenAI that enables users to "converse" with it in a way that mimics natural conversation. As a user, you can ask questions or make requests in the form of prompts, and ChatGPT will respond. The intuitive, easy-to-use, and free tool has already gained popularity as an alternative to traditional search engines and as a tool for AI writing, among other things. What does GPT stand for?The "GPT" in ChatGPT is short for . In the field of AI, training refers to the process of teaching a computer system to recognize patterns and make decisions based on input data, much like how a teacher gives information to their students, then tests their understanding of that information. A transformer is a type of trained to analyze the context of input data and weight the significance of each part of the data accordingly. Since this type of model learns context, it's commonly used in to generate text similar to human writing. (In AI, a model is a set of mathematical equations and algorithms that a computer uses to analyze data and make decisions. Read more about some here.)While older AI chatbots could answer questions with detailed responses, ChatGPT uses a dialog format, which allows it to answer follow-up and clarifying questions, as well as recognize and reject inappropriate or dangerous requests (such as questions about illegal activity). Read more: How to use ChatGPT to augment your workWith a thorough understanding of the features, limitations, and risks associated with generative AI, it becomes a powerful tool to save time and energy. Knowing how to effectively communicate with ChatGPT, or any generative AI model, is called .Watch this video from Vanderbilt University's popular to see prompt engineering in action:New use cases are emerging every day; here are just a few ways you might incorporate ChatGPT (or another ) into your day-to-day work:1. Conduct research. While ChatGPT lacks some of the critical functionality of Google and other search engines (particularly in making attribution easy to see and access), it can be a useful starting point for conducting research. Here are two examples:2. Beat writer's block.If you've ever experienced difficulty getting started on a writing project while staring at a blank page, you're not alone. Depending on the source of your writer's block and what you're trying to achieve, you may be able to use ChatGPT to overcome inertia:Get your creativity flowing with generated writing prompts.Build an outline or structure from key points you want to include.Generate a first paragraph to build upon. (You can go back and revise or delete it later.)Find that word that's on the tip of your tongue.3. Strengthen an existing piece of writing.You can input an existing piece of text into ChatGPT and ask it to identify uses of passive voice, repetitive phrases or word usage, or grammatical errors. This could be particularly useful if you're writing in a language for which you're not a native speaker.Read more: 4. Write and debug code.ChatGPT isn't just for use with text as prose. You can also use to:, ChatGPT helps you get answers, find inspiration and be more productive. It is free to use and easy to try. Just ask and ChatGPT can help with writing, learning, brainstorming and more., With ChatGPT, you can type or start a real-time voice conversation by tapping the soundwave icon in the mobile app. Click the web search icon to get fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources. With canvas, you can work with ChatGPT on projects that require editing and revisions..