We asked ChatGPT itself...

In recent years, AI tools like ChatGPT have become popular for various tasks, from content generation to coding assistance. Many developers, both seasoned and novice, have begun exploring these AI-powered tools to aid in creating software extensions and plugins, including Joomla extensions. However, while ChatGPT can provide valuable insights and support in code generation, using it to build a Joomla extension from scratch or to handle complex development tasks comes with inherent risks and potential pitfalls. Here’s a closer look at these dangers and why caution is essential.

1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Code Generation

While ChatGPT can generate code snippets, it is not infallible. The AI’s understanding is based on vast datasets and training, but it doesn’t actually "understand" Joomla or PHP code as a developer would. It may produce code that seems syntactically correct but doesn’t align with Joomla’s framework requirements or best practices. For example, ChatGPT might produce code that lacks proper integration with Joomla's MVC (Model-View-Controller) structure or doesn’t handle database interactions securely. These inaccuracies can lead to malfunctioning extensions that don’t deliver the expected functionality.

2. Security Vulnerabilities

Security is a critical concern when building Joomla extensions, as they often access and manipulate data within a CMS that may contain sensitive information. ChatGPT does not have the capability to perform real-time security checks or understand the latest security patches required for Joomla. Generated code may lack proper sanitization, validation, and escaping techniques, which could open doors to common vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS). Such security flaws can expose your site and users’ data to hackers, potentially resulting in compromised information and reputational damage.

3. Incompatibility with Joomla Updates

Joomla frequently releases updates to improve functionality, fix bugs, and enhance security. ChatGPT-generated code does not account for the constantly evolving Joomla ecosystem, meaning the extension it helps produce may not be compatible with future Joomla updates. This could lead to broken features or even make the entire site unusable if conflicts arise between the extension’s code and Joomla’s core files.

4. Lack of Debugging and Testing Awareness

ChatGPT does not possess the ability to test or debug code autonomously. While it can provide solutions to potential issues if prompted, it cannot assess the reliability of an extension in real-world scenarios. Developers relying solely on ChatGPT for complex logic or data processing tasks may miss critical errors that a manual review or debugging session would reveal. Proper testing is especially crucial in Joomla extensions, which need to interact seamlessly with Joomla’s backend and frontend.

5. Legal and Licensing Issues

Another important aspect to consider is licensing. Joomla is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), and any extension developed for it must comply with GPL terms. ChatGPT may inadvertently generate code snippets that are not in line with Joomla’s licensing requirements, leading to potential legal complications. Moreover, ChatGPT’s code sources are unknown, so it’s challenging to verify whether the code provided is GPL-compatible.

6. Lack of Customization and Personalization

While ChatGPT is excellent for generating boilerplate code, extensions often require personalized touches to meet specific requirements. The AI may struggle to create a Joomla extension that precisely matches the unique features or design elements required for a specific project. Customization typically requires a deep understanding of the Joomla framework, which ChatGPT lacks. This can lead to extensions that feel generic or don’t fully meet the project’s functional needs, ultimately requiring a developer to step in and make manual adjustments.

Best Practices for Using ChatGPT in Joomla Development

While the above risks are significant, there are ways to mitigate them if you choose to use ChatGPT in your Joomla extension development process:

1. Use ChatGPT for Inspiration, Not Full Solutions: Rather than relying on ChatGPT to create an entire extension, use it to get ideas, generate small snippets, or simplify repetitive tasks.
2. Employ Security Best Practices: Always review and sanitize any code provided by ChatGPT, especially regarding input/output handling, to prevent vulnerabilities.
3. Manual Testing and Debugging: Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure functionality and compatibility within the Joomla framework.
4. Consult Documentation: Cross-reference Joomla’s official documentation and community resources to verify the compatibility of any AI-generated code.

Conclusion

Using ChatGPT to assist in Joomla extension development can be beneficial for brainstorming or generating small pieces of code. However, relying on it to build complete extensions introduces risks related to security, compatibility, and functionality. Developers must approach ChatGPT with caution, always verifying and refining any code it produces to ensure it meets Joomla’s requirements and their project’s unique needs.

Disclaimer

We are not waiting for articles totally written by some AI thing. In fact, our guidelines clearly state: "Do not use AI to write your article for you".

Nevertheless we thought it would be interesting and kinda funny to ask ChatGPT itself to list the dangers and risks of using ChatGPT to create a Joomla extension. It was also asked to do suggestions how ChatGPT can help developing Joomla extensions while avoiding those dangers and risks.

This is a one time thing, meant for entertainment and maybe we can even learn something from it. Don't take it too seriously. The article is not completely accurate and it might not align to opinions of any Joomler. The content of the article is largely determined by the input: what you prompt is what you get.

Maybe the article stimulates you to write a better article about the subject of using AI in extension development.

[Herman Peeren]