Google’s latest AI chatbot, Bard, has expanded its skillset and can now assist in coding and software development tasks. With the ability to work with over 20 programming languages, Bard offers coding assistance in popular languages such as Python, Java, and Go, as well as Google Sheets functions. Its interface even allows you to export your Python code to Google Colab and run it directly in your browser.
Bard’s error messaging and debugging capabilities are also noteworthy. If a piece of code throws an error message, you can ask Bard to fix it by simply telling the chatbot that “this code didn’t work, please fix it.” Additionally, if you are unsure about a particular section of code, Bard will provide detailed explanations and you can ask specific questions such as “tell me about the code within the google/jax GitHub repo.”
In addition to debugging and explanation, Bard can even optimize slow code for you. If you have a piece of code that isn’t running fast enough, ask Bard to “make that code faster,” and it will get to work. This makes Bard a useful tool for new learners as well as seasoned coders who want to save time and streamline their workflows.
It’s worth noting that Bard is still in the experimental phase, and users should be cautious about the accuracy of its output. Google cautions that Bard can produce “inaccurate, misleading or false information while presenting it confidently.” However, users can rest assured that Bard will cite the source of any lengthy quotes taken from existing open-source projects.
