Microsoft has built an AI-powered autocomplete for code using GPT-3
The tool has a small scope but big potential
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In September 2020, Microsoft purchased an exclusive license to the underlying technology behind GPT-3, an AI language tool built by OpenAI. Now, the Redmond, Washington-based tech giant has announced its first commercial use case for the program: an assistive feature in the company’s PowerApps software that turns natural language into readymade code.
The feature is limited in its scope and can only produce formulas in Microsoft Power Fx, a simple programming language derived from Microsoft Excel formulas that’s used mainly for database queries. But it shows the huge potential for machine learning to help novice programmers by functioning as an autocomplete tool for code.
All-natural? We tried.
For those wondering why Microsoft did not simply go the whole hog and opt for an all-natural-language approach, skipping the Power FX scripting part, Lamanna admitted it had been tried, but was just not effective enough for us to ever release it.
As for preparing the model to allow the parsing to occur, Lamanna said the approach was twofold. First, the software had to be engineered to translate normal words we use everyday into Power Fx formulas. There s just the language itself [Power Fx] and expressions, he said, along with the Common Data Model Microsoft is keen on customers using.
Microsoft Ignite 2021: virtually (unstoppable) together
2-4 March 2021; virtual event
Microsoft
For the second time, Microsoft will be holding its annual Ignite event virtually on 2-4 March 2021. Attendees can hear from experts and engage with a worldwide community in a setting which Microsoft says has been designed to accelerate technology on a global scale.
The three-day event will feature virtual keynotes, product and service deep dives and opportunities to connect with Microsoft engineers and IT professionals from around the world.
Featured speakers include: Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft; Alex Kipman, technical fellow in Microsoft artificial intelligence and mixed reality; Charles Lamanna, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Low Code Application Platform; Jared Spataro, corporate vice president of Microsoft 365; Muhammad Alam, corporate vice president of Microsoft Dynamics 365; and many more.