microsoft uses gpt-3 to let you code in natural language

Microsoft Build 2023: OpenAI's GPT-3 Powers No-Code Revolution in Power Apps

This year’s Microsoft Build developer conference, in contrast to previous events, didn't unveil a plethora of groundbreaking surprises. However, one announcement is poised to significantly interest developers: Microsoft is now integrating OpenAI’s substantial GPT-3 natural language model into its Power Apps service.

From Low-Code to No-Code with AI

The integration allows for the translation of spoken text directly into code within the Power Fx language. It’s crucial to understand that this doesn’t mean anyone can instantly create a complex application like TikTok using only natural language.

Instead, Microsoft is leveraging AI to transform certain aspects of its low-code platform into a truly no-code experience. Currently, the focus is on Power Apps formulas, which, despite the platform’s low-code nature, will inevitably need to be written for any application of considerable complexity.

Charles Lamanna, corporate vice president for Microsoft’s low-code application platform, stated that utilizing an advanced AI model like this can broaden the accessibility of low-code tools to a wider audience by achieving a genuine no-code capability.

How it Works in Practice

In a practical scenario, a citizen developer might input “find products where the name starts with ‘kids’”. Power Apps would then render this as “Filter(‘BC Orders’ Left(‘Product Name’,4)=”Kids”)”.

Given Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI, the selection of its model to drive this functionality is logical.

Image Credits: Microsoft

Understanding the Logic Remains Key

Microsoft emphasizes that while this feature simplifies programming, users still need a fundamental understanding of the application’s underlying logic. The features are designed to assist those learning Power Fx and to help them select the appropriate formulas to achieve the desired results.

This assistance can significantly expand access to more advanced app development and accelerate the training of individuals in low-code tools, according to the company’s announcement.

Similar to Natural Language Queries in Other Tools

This functionality shares similarities with the natural language query features now available in tools like Excel, PowerBI, and Google Sheets. These tools also translate natural language into formulas.

While GPT-3 is likely more sophisticated and capable of processing more complex queries, the core concept of translating natural language into formulas isn’t entirely new.

The Future of AI-Powered Development

The long-term potential lies in these tools becoming more intelligent over time and handling increasingly complex programming tasks. However, this represents a significant leap beyond the current translation problem.

More intricate queries demand a deeper understanding of the program as a whole. A formula is generally a self-contained statement, whereas a model capable of generating “real” code would need to consider a much broader context.

Availability

These new features will be available in public preview in English for users in North America starting at the end of June.