ChatGPT Canvas: Your 24/7 Coding Assistant
Imagine you’re tasked with writing code for your project, debugging complex errors, or optimizing existing scripts. Wouldn’t it be convenient if you had a dedicated assistant to help with every aspect of the coding process? An assistant who is not only knowledgeable in different programming languages but also serves as a code editor, debugger, and reviewer—all working with you to create the perfect code? Welcome to ChatGPT Canvas—available 24/7.
People use ChatGPT every day for coding assistance. While the chat interface works well for many tasks, it has limitations when tackling projects that require significant editing and revisions. Canvas introduces a new, more versatile interface designed specifically for these in-depth coding tasks.
Currently, Canvas is available for Pro and Enterprise users via the web (desktop) only. It does not yet support images, file uploads, GPTs, shared conversations, or advanced tools, although OpenAI plans to add these features in the future.
1. How to Use Canvas
To get started, select GPT-4 with Canvas from the model picker at the top of the page.
Canvas will automatically open when ChatGPT detects that it could be useful for your task.
You can also type “use canvas” in your prompt to open Canvas and continue working on an existing project. If you prefer to start from scratch, simply type “Open a blank canvas.” Whenever you use Canvas, a window will open on the right-hand side with your requested content.
2. Editing in Canvas
In Canvas, you have complete control of your code. You can make edits such as refactoring code, fixing bugs, or adding new features by directly clicking into the canvas and typing.
In the below example I have asked ChatGPT to create a html code that I can run on my web browser. The code is for a animation that will show a sun moving across the screen.
To test the above html code follow these steps.
– Copy the HTML code.
– Open any text editor (like Notepad).
– Paste the code and save the file with a .html extension (e.g., sun_moving_animation.html).
– Double-click the saved file or right-click and open it with your web browser.
As you can see we have a now a moving SUN which is YELLOW in color.
You can now ask for edits in the chat by using phrases like “Can you optimize this function?” or “Please refactor this code.” Alternatively, highlight a specific part of the code and request edits directly based on your requirements.
In the below example I asked ChatGPT to make the Sun BLUE. It automatically updates the code for this and you also also refer the specific code changes it made.
3. Collaboration in Canvas
Access built-in shortcuts that help enhance your coding by hovering over the shortcuts menu at the bottom-right of the page.
- Review code: ChatGPT provides inline suggestions to improve your code.
- Add logs: Inserts print statements to help you debug and understand your code.
- Add comments: Adds comments to the code to make it easier to understand.
- Fix bugs: Detects and rewrites problematic code to resolve errors.
- Port to a language: Translates your code into JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, C++, or PHP.
You can also get targeted comment suggestions by selecting the “Review Code” option. These suggestions may include improvements for code efficiency, clarity, or fixing potential bugs. By clicking on the comment bubble, you will see specific inline comments from ChatGPT, helping you understand how to address flagged issues. You can either directly edit the flagged code and close the comment, or choose Apply to have ChatGPT automatically rewrite the code, making it easier for users who prefer more automated editing.
4. Tracking changes
Canvas allows you to track changes in your code by selecting the Show changes icon at the top-right of the screen. You can also restore a previous version of your project using the Undo button or copy the entire content using the Copy button—all accessible from the top-right of the page.
Additionally, when working on a coding task, you can highlight specific portions of your code and use Ask ChatGPT to either request edits or ask questions about that section. In the belw example I have highlighted a piece of code and asked it to explain it.
Conclusion
ChatGPT Canvas is a powerful tool for anyone looking to elevate their coding process—whether you are writing, debugging, or optimizing your code. With its intuitive features and real-time collaboration, Canvas empowers users to create high-quality code more efficiently. From adjusting complexity to refining structure, Canvas makes it easy to tailor your code to your project’s needs, all while saving time.
If you’re ready to take your coding projects to the next level, try using Canvas today. It’s like having a personal coding assistant available at any moment, ready to help you craft the best possible solution.
Discover more from Debabrata Pruseth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
