OpenAI Updates Codex to Accept Plain English Commands for Coding
OpenAI launches a private beta for an upgraded Codex API that translates everyday English requests into working code across a dozen programming languages.
OpenAI upgrades its Codex system with a new API that allows users to issue commands in plain English and receive live, working code in return. Unlike the initial version that only completed lines or sections of code for developers, this updated iteration enables anyone to build games or web apps simply by typing everyday instructions like "make the ball bounce off the sides of the screen."
During a live demo, OpenAI co-founders Greg Brockman and Wojciech Zaremba showcase how Codex handles the tedious aspects of programming by automatically generating standard boilerplate code. Brockman explains that the goal is to let developers focus on the creative vision and chunking of a project rather than memorizing and rewriting routine functions like deploying a basic web server.
Because Codex trains on vast amounts of public code from repositories like GitHub, it easily recognizes standard practices and common programming tasks. Combined with the natural language understanding of GPT-3, the AI accurately interprets casual user requests and instantly outputs functional code in one of a dozen supported languages for a select group of private beta testers.