Don’t leave your tests behind in the deployment pipeline — As software engineers, we’re taught that we should write tests. Tests to examine our software as it hurtles toward production. They stop us breaking things as we add or change features. As a technical leader, I value that testing code. I spend money making sure that it exists. But we’re…

The American author Joe Milazzo said: …readability is not strictly a matter of “clarity.” In my experience, without some more profound level of engagement — with the imagination — understanding is incomplete. Or, perhaps: more easily thwarted. But, readability tools and standards have proliferated. In both print and internet content…

This article is extracted from a series of articles about ChatGPT and technology leaders. The articles are based on interviews with ChatGPT over the course of several days. Toward the end, I asked some reflective questions about its impact. I also consider possible ethical consequences of the technology. How might Artificial Intelligence influence humans’ use of language? ChatGPT and…

This article is extracted from a series of articles about ChatGPT and technology leaders. ChatGPT claims to be able to assist with talent management. This includes pre-screening candidates. There have been several infamous incidents of training bias in AI models, including in the policing and recruitment sectors. I ask ChatGPT…

ChatGPT saturates its responses with disclaimers about its abilities. It always suggests that final decisions must rest with human beings. This could come in handy in the more litigious societies. It could also make itself more palatable to users. …

ChatGPT’s role as assistant, proxy and human-like interface has been well marketed. It’s interesting to consider where the limits lie. Below are two questions I asked ChatGPT as part of a conversation documented in What does ChatGPT mean for CTOs? Is ChatGPT able to participate in group discussions? ChatGPT markets its conversational abilities. But, many human conversations involve…

In this article, I present the last of four questions in an interview with ChatGPT. The interview follows a general >> specific >> reflective cycle as described in What does ChatGPT mean for CTOs?. This question tries to unpick what has made ChatGPT so successful in marketing itself as an…

In this article, I present the third of four questions in an interview with ChatGPT. The interview follows a general >> specific >> reflective cycle as described in What does ChatGPT mean for CTOs?. This question is about the technical operational tasks. ChatGPT suggests reliability, security and efficiency. Given the…

In this article, I present the second of four questions in an interview with ChatGPT. The interview follows a general >> specific >> reflective cycle as described in What does ChatGPT mean for CTOs?. This question is about the task of hiring and retaining staff. ChatGPT suggests a few areas…