Maximize Productivity: ChatGPT's Code Editing for MacOS

ChatGPT can edit code– no more copy-pasting: MacOS developers

If you’re a developer using macOS, OpenAI has just made coding a lot easier. The latest update to the ChatGPT app allows it to directly edit code inside Xcode, VS Code, and JetBrains tools without requiring you to copy and paste between applications.

Previously, ChatGPT could only read your code in these environments, but now, it can make edits too. This means developers can work faster and more efficiently with AI-assisted coding.

Edit code with a click

One of the biggest highlights of this update is an ‘auto-apply’ mode, which lets ChatGPT make changes automatically without needing user confirmation. This could be a game-changer for developers who want to streamline their workflow and minimise manual corrections.

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Alexander Embiricos, a product team member at OpenAI, demonstrated the new feature on social media and mentioned that a Windows version is coming ‘soon.'

Who can use it right now

The feature is currently available for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers who update their macOS app. OpenAI has also confirmed that Enterprise, Education, and free users will get access next week.

This update builds on OpenAI’s ‘work with apps’ capability, which was first introduced in beta last November. Previously, this feature allowed ChatGPT to read code inside development environments but not edit it. Now, with direct editing, ChatGPT is stepping up as a serious competitor to other AI-powered coding tools like GitHub Copilot, Apple’s Swift Assist, and Cursor.

A big step for AI-powered coding

AI coding assistants are becoming more popular, with many developers already using them in their workflows. A recent GitHub survey found that the vast majority of developers have adopted AI tools in some form.

However, not everyone is convinced. While AI can speed up coding and improve documentation, some developers worry about issues like code reliability, security vulnerabilities, and debugging time. Studies have shown that AI-generated code can sometimes introduce more errors, requiring extra review and fixes.