I use it a ton. Most of the time it’s very helpful, sometimes I can’t get it to write effective code. If the code it outputs doesn’t meet my standards, I just don’t use it. But I know what I’m looking for, and when ChatGPT generates it, if not only saves me a shitload of time, but more importantly it saves me a ton of mental energy that I can spend elsewhere. The biggest thing for me is that using ChatGPT helps my brain do fewer “context switches” between focus on high level business logic and low level implementation logic. By staying “high level” I’m able to accomplish more each day because I don’t get lost in the sauce as often.

I often have to “upgrade” the code myself with tests, better comments, modify the data structures a bit. Sometimes I tell ChatGPT to do this, sometimes I do it myself. But it’s been very helpful overall.

The big takeaway is that your output will only be as good as your own programming skill, regardless if you use ChatGPT or write it yourself.