The ChatGPT app for Mac has launched a new feature designed to integrate with popular coding applications like Xcode, VS Code, TextEdit, and Terminal. This new functionality allows developers to bypass the traditional method of copying and pasting code into ChatGPT. Instead, code can be sent directly from these apps into the AI, which can then assist developers by providing code suggestions, explanations, or corrections.
The feature, called “Work with Apps,” enables ChatGPT to interact directly with coding environments like Xcode. Once permission is granted, ChatGPT can access a selected portion of code within the app and respond to a prompt from the user.
In a demonstration with TechCrunch, an OpenAI employee showed how this feature works by using ChatGPT to add the missing planet, Earth, to a solar system model created in Xcode. The AI was able to generate the necessary line of code to complete the task, aligning with the existing project format.
While this integration improves workflow, it is not as deeply embedded in coding apps as other tools, such as GitHub Copilot. Unlike Copilot, which can help write code directly within Xcode, ChatGPT’s capabilities are more limited. It uses the macOS Accessibility API, which allows apps to read text, but it does not have the ability to interpret images or videos. This means that ChatGPT can only work with text-based code in the apps it integrates with.
The new “Work with Apps” feature is initially available to ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Teams users, with plans to extend it to Enterprise and Educational users soon. OpenAI has also stated that it intends to expand the integration to other applications, broadening the scope of this functionality and making it even more useful for developers working in various environments.
The ChatGPT app’s integration with coding tools marks an important step in streamlining developers’ workflows. While it may not be as advanced as some other coding assistants, this feature promises to enhance productivity by offering direct AI support within coding environments. With plans for further expansion, ChatGPT is positioning itself as a valuable tool for developers looking to optimize their coding processes.
