Why Are Programmers Switching from ChatGPT to Claude 3.5

Hey there, digital adventurers! If you've been around the tech block, chances are you've bumped into ChatGPT—a handy wizard when it comes to generating text, handling prompts, and even dabbling in some basic code. But wait, there's a new kid on the block! Meet Claude 3.5 by Anthropic. This AI is making waves, claiming to outshine its predecessors with some pretty nifty features.

Today, I'm taking Claude 3.5 for a spin and sharing my journey with you. So grab your favorite brew, get comfy, and let’s dive in!

What's All the Fuss About?

First off, you might wonder, "What makes Claude 3.5 so special?" Buckle up, because this AI isn't just about generating text—it can read your PDFs, images and all! Yes, you heard that correctly. Plus, it's itching to take over your computer with integrations that connect to your GitHub, letting it write, run, and even modify your code. It’s like a personal assistant that understands the bits and bytes of coding!

Kicking Things Off

For this firsthand trial, I set out to accomplish three main tasks:

1. Analyze a Design: I snagged a design that caught my eye and wanted to see how Claude could break it down.

2. Replicate Code: The goal was to have Claude spin this design into actual working code.

3. Publish on a Website: Finally, I intended to publish that code on a personal website and see how it all came together.

So let's sink our teeth into each step and uncover what Claude’s really capable of!

Task 1: Analyzing a Design

I started by searching for Claude 3.5 and navigated to their main site where I logged in. With my newfound design—a picture of the TikTok button—I uploaded it into Claude 3.5’s image section. The anticipation was real; would this digital brainchild of Anthropic be able to replicate my image in code form?

Claude, feeling up to the challenge, whipped up some code. While I'm no stranger to code, verifying its fidelity to my original design was a must. I asked for a live preview and, lo and behold, the button appeared on my screen! Hover effects galore, complete with a smooth transition and a gentle scale. Could it be any simpler?

Task 2: Replicating the Code

Armed with the code, it was time to breathe life into this virtual button on my website. Now, I'm using Wick Studio—a no-code platform that's like a playground for non-developers. But don't fret, ever adaptable, I managed to inject a bit of custom code to house my new button design. Out with the HTML tags and in with the magic from Claude. Success!

Seeing the code come alive on my website was a satisfying moment. But who wants to rest on their laurels, right? Time to raise the stakes.

Task 3: Managing a Project

Diving into more complex waters, I wanted Claude 3.5 to take charge of an entire project. Imagine your AI managing the repository, analyzing, compiling, and innovating all at once. Sounds like a developer's dream, doesn’t it?

I registered for an upgraded version to unlock Claude’s full repository-managing capabilities. What did I have in mind? An intricate guide about Mid Journey and its ins and outs. A document laden with text and visuals, mind you, and Claude didn’t even bat an eye. Though the file was over 30 MB, a little compression on my part, and Claude was back in action—summarizing, interpreting, and even suggesting prompts for designing logos.

Diving Deeper: Next.js Project

The ultimate test was next—equipping Claude to handle a full-fledged Next.js application. Uploading the entire project, I tasked Claude with replicating the homepage using its arsenal of Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and React.js. While I didn’t include all artwork elements, Claude's attempt to fill in placeholders and mimic design elements was commendably close.

The math: replicating the layout which usually requires six hours of coding? Now compressed into a few well-articulated commands to my AI assistant. Efficient much?

Coding Inside VS Code

For those coders who prefer VS Code's cozy confines, fear not. I found a trusty VS Code extension named Seine to integrate Claude seamlessly into my workflow. After a quick API key setup on the Anthropic site, and a small bump of topping up my account balance, voila—Claude was up and running inside the code editor.

Claude in Action

I tasked Claude with spawning a hamburger menu inside my Next.js project. Watching it gracefully shadow my every command was a sight to behold. Files were updated in real-time, culminating in a functional landing page that showcased the deftness of this AI.

Claude’s capabilities blew me away. Easy debugging, seamless integration, and a web menu that even a staunch old-school coder would envy.

Why Claude is a Game Changer

Claude 3.5's rich skillset turns the mundane into extraordinary, offering more than a mere chat interface. It’s a robust tool for building, debugging, and ideating like never before. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a design aficionado, Claude meets you at your level and elevates your game.

Looking for more ways to bolster your skill set or test your chops?

Join Us at NewForm!

At NewForm, we’re all about honing your design skills, helping you find opportunities in the marketplace, and connecting you with industry leaders. We offer monthly web design challenges with cash prizes, weekly skill-building events, and exclusive monthly guest sessions featuring top professionals in web design. Here, you get to learn directly from the best, access invaluable resources, and build cool things online.

So, if you’re ready to take your skills to new heights and join a community of like-minded creatives, now’s the time! Without further ado, let’s dive into today’s post—and don’t forget to join NewForm afterward for more amazing opportunities!

Join the conversation, experiment with Claude, and let’s reimagine what's possible together. Until next time, happy coding!