ChatGPT Basics Cheat Sheet

1. What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI that uses GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) to generate human-like text.
Use Cases:
- Answering questions
- Writing articles, code, emails, etc.
- Brainstorming ideas
- Translation and summarization
- Debugging code and technical assistance

2. How to Access ChatGPT

1. Web Interface (Easiest):

Visit https://chat.openai.com
Sign up/login to start using ChatGPT.

2. API Access (For Developers):

Requires an OpenAI account and API key.
Use the OpenAI API for custom integrations.

3. Mobile App (iOS/Android):

Download from the App Store or Google Play.

3. Basic Commands and Prompts

1. Ask Questions:

What is the capital of France?

2. Write Content:

Write a blog post about the benefits of meditation.

3. Translate Text:

Translate "Hello, how are you?" to French.

4. Summarize Text:

Summarize the following article: [paste text]

5. Generate Code:

Write a Python script to reverse a string.

4. Key Features

Memory (Pro Version): Remembers information across sessions (opt-in feature).
Multimodal (GPT-4): Supports text and image inputs.
Plugins: Extend functionality by connecting to external services.
Web Browsing (GPT-4): Access up-to-date information beyond training data.

5. Crafting Effective Prompts

Tips for Better Responses:

Be Specific:

Explain quantum physics in simple terms for a 10-year-old.

Provide Context:

Write a formal email requesting a meeting with a client.

Break it Down:

Step 1: Explain the basics of machine learning.  
Step 2: List common machine learning algorithms.

Role Assignment:

Act as a history professor and explain World War II causes.

Iterative Refinement:

Expand this text with more detail.  
Shorten the following paragraph.

6. Code Examples

Python (Fibonacci Generator):

def fibonacci(n):
    a, b = 0, 1
    for _ in range(n):
        print(a, end=' ')
        a, b = b, a + b
fibonacci(10)

HTML (Simple Web Page):

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head><title>My Web Page</title></head>
<body>
    <h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
    <p>This is a simple HTML page.</p>
</body>
</html>

7. Troubleshooting and Debugging

Explain Errors:

I got this error in Python: IndexError: list index out of range. What does it mean?

Code Debugging:

Debug the following JavaScript code: [paste code]

Performance Optimization:

How can I optimize this SQL query for faster execution?

8. Common Use Cases

Content Creation: Blog posts, essays, emails, reports.
Coding Help: Write, debug, and explain code in various languages.
Learning Assistant: Get explanations on complex topics.
Productivity: Generate ideas, to-do lists, schedules.
Creative Writing: Poetry, stories, jokes, song lyrics.

9. Limitations

Training Cut-off: May lack information on events or topics after the model’s knowledge cut-off date.
Accuracy: May generate incorrect or nonsensical answers. Always verify critical information.
Bias: Responses may reflect biases in the training data.

10. Keyboard Shortcuts (Web Interface)

Ctrl + Enter – Submit prompt.
Shift + Enter – Add a new line without submitting.
Up Arrow – Edit last prompt.
Tab – Autocomplete in code blocks.

11. ChatGPT Pro (GPT-4 Access)

GPT-4 Benefits:
- More accurate and creative responses.
- Handles complex prompts better.
- Multimodal (image + text).
Pricing:
- Free (GPT-3.5)
- Pro (GPT-4) – Subscription model.

12. API Usage (For Developers)

npm install openai

Basic API Example (Node.js):

const { Configuration, OpenAIApi } = require("openai");

const configuration = new Configuration({
  apiKey: 'your-api-key',
});
const openai = new OpenAIApi(configuration);

async function run() {
  const response = await openai.createCompletion({
    model: "gpt-4",
    prompt: "Write a poem about space.",
    max_tokens: 100
  });
  console.log(response.data.choices[0].text);
}
run();

13. Best Practices

Iterate and Refine: Keep refining prompts for better responses.
Ask Follow-ups: Continue the conversation to extract more information.
Clarify Ambiguity: Rephrase or add context if the answer isn’t precise.

14. Advanced Techniques

Chain of Thought (COT):

Solve this math problem step by step: 2x + 5 = 15

Prompt Engineering:

Simulate a debate between AI and a scientist on climate change.

Temperature Control:

Set temperature=0.2 for factual responses, 0.8 for creative writing.

Download PDF of cheatsheet

ChatGPT