ChatGPT for Beginners

An article created by ChatGPT

Ramon Marrero
4 min readMay 30, 2023
Image by the author using MidJourney

Whether you are an enthusiast seeking to understand the exciting world of artificial intelligence, or just curious about this novel technology you keep hearing about, this article will bring you up to speed. We will explore what ChatGPT is, how to use it with some examples, and the differences between its free and paid versions.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by OpenAI. It’s part of the larger GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) family, with GPT standing as a testament to several iterations of advancement in AI technology.

The primary purpose of ChatGPT is to generate human-like text based on the input it receives. When you ask ChatGPT a question, it will generate a response that, in many cases, is indistinguishable from a human response. It doesn’t know or understand information; rather, it generates responses based on patterns it learned during its training on a vast corpus of Internet text.

How to use chatGPT?

Using ChatGPT is like having a conversation with “that friend” who seems to know a little about everything. You can interact with it by simply typing in a question, statement, or command, and it will generate a response. Here is an example of a conversation you might have:

You: Who won the 2020 U.S. Presidential election?
ChatGPT: The 2020 U.S. Presidential election was won by Joe Biden.

Remember, though, ChatGPT doesn’t “know” this in the way a human does. It generates responses based on patterns it learned during training.

You can use ChatGPT in various applications such as drafting emails, writing essays, brainstorming ideas, learning about new topics, and even creating art and music. It’s like a digital companion ready to assist you with your text-related tasks.

As a Writing Assistant: Let’s say you’re drafting an email to a colleague but can’t seem to find the right words. You could ask ChatGPT for help, like:

You: Can you help me draft an email to my colleague about postponing our meeting to next week?

ChatGPT: Sure, here’s a suggestion: “Dear [Colleague’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I propose we reschedule our upcoming meeting to next week. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your flexibility. Kind regards, [Your Name]”

For Learning: You could use chatGPT as a tool for learning new things. For example, you might be curious about black holes and could ask:

You: Can you explain what a black hole is?

ChatGPT: Of course. A black hole is a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing — no particles or even light — can escape from it. They are often formed when a star collapses under its own gravity after its nuclear fuel is exhausted.

Brainstorming Ideas: If you’re working on a project and need some creative inspiration, chatGPT can assist. For instance:

You: I need some ideas for a science fiction short story.

ChatGPT: Sure, how about this? “In a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, an engineer stationed on a mining colony on Titan discovers an alien artifact. As she deciphers its purpose, she realizes it holds the key to a technology that could change the course of human history — or end it.”

Remember, these are just examples. The potential use cases for ChatGPT are vast and limited only by your needs and creativity.

Free vs. Paid Versions: What’s the Difference?

OpenAI offers both free and paid versions of ChatGPT, and there are a few key differences between them:

- Access: The free version is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. However, the paid version, known as ChatGPT Plus, requires a monthly subscription.

- Priority: ChatGPT Plus subscribers get general access even during peak times. This means less waiting and more immediate responses, which can be a real advantage if you use the service often or for work.

- Response length: ChatGPT Plus offers extended response length, which can be handy when you’re asking complex questions or need detailed responses.

- Customer support: Subscribers of ChatGPT Plus enjoy dedicated customer support. This can be a big plus if you encounter issues or have questions about using the service.

Remember, while the paid version offers more features and benefits, the free version is still a powerful tool and can be a great introduction to the world of AI.

Wrapping Up

ChatGPT is an impressive demonstration of the possibilities of AI. Whether you are using it for help with writing, learning, or just to have an interesting conversation, ChatGPT stands as a friendly, accessible way to interact with advanced artificial intelligence. And, with both free and paid versions available, there’s a ChatGPT option for everyone.

If you’re intrigued by the possibilities, give ChatGPT a try. Who knows what fascinating ideas and conversations might emerge when you begin interacting with this cutting-edge AI.

Just remember, while ChatGPT is a powerful tool, it’s still just a tool. Its responses should be treated as suggestions and not as definitive answers or advice. Stay critical, stay curious, and have fun exploring the exciting world of artificial intelligence!

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Ramon Marrero

Head of Data Engineering | AWS Community Builder | AWS Certified Solutions Architect | Google Cloud Certified Professional