Can't Ask GPT Properly? Congratulations! You're Growing as a Developer

"I asked GPT but the answer was weird..."

This is a common message in developer chat rooms. Usually followed by a lengthy error log dump, without context or any explanation of what they tried to do.

"Sorry, but how do I fix this?"

"This isn't working, and GPT doesn't understand what I'm saying 😢"

Even senior developers from prestigious companies like Toss, Musinsa, and Naver can't understand these questions. But this isn't their fault. The questions are simply too vague.

GPT Doesn't Understand You? Congratulations!

Sound strange? But I mean it. If GPT can't understand your questions, it's evidence that you're experiencing growing pains.

Think about it. How can AI understand questions that even senior developers can't comprehend? While GPT is certainly a powerful tool, it's not a magic wand. Without clear context and accurate information, even the world's smartest AI can't provide a proper answer.

Difficulty with GPT Usage is a Sign of Growth

Junior developer A had this concern:
"Infinite scroll isn't working in React. I asked GPT but the answer was weird."

Six months later, A asks like this:
"I'm implementing infinite scroll with React Query, using Intersection Observer. I want to store the scroll position in sessionStorage to restore it on back navigation, but I'm seeing unnecessary re-renders. Should I apply memoization?"

See the difference?

Paradoxically, finding it difficult to use GPT is a signal that you're growing. As you understand technology more deeply, your questions become more specific and clear. And that's when GPT truly becomes your pair programmer.

Prerequisites for Clear Questions

Here's what you need to properly utilize GPT:

1. Accurate understanding of the problem situation

   • What you're trying to achieve
   • Current state
   • What errors are occurring

2. Basic knowledge of your technology stack

   • Role of each library or framework
   • Core concepts and how they work
   • Common problem-solving patterns

3. Solutions you've attempted

   • What approaches you've tried
   • Results from each attempt

With these preparations, GPT can provide much more useful answers.

How Growing Developers Use GPT

Stop asking GPT questions. Instead, give it commands.

Not "What should I do about this error?"

But "Here's what I tried. Looking at the logs, the problem seems to be here. Suggest how I should modify this part."

Not "How do I build this feature?"

But "Here are the requirements, and this is my tech stack. Analyze the best implementation approach considering performance and maintainability."

This approach leads to remarkable changes:

• Deeper understanding of problems
• Better control over solutions
• Improved technical specification writing skills
• Enhanced communication with colleagues

This is Just the Beginning

Still finding it difficult to ask GPT questions? Don't worry. That's evidence you're growing.

As questions become more challenging, you learn more, and as you learn more, questions become clearer. And through this process, you'll find yourself growing from a junior to a mid-level developer.

Start today. Stop asking GPT questions, and start giving it commands. Your real growth begins now.