Why I Hired ChatGPT Pro ($200/Month) as My Junior Developer

I'm Samuel Fajreldines

I am a specialist in the entire JavaScript and TypeScript ecosystem (including Node.js, React, Angular and Vue.js)

I am expert in AI and in creating AI integrated solutions

I am expert in DevOps and Serverless Architecture (AWS, Google Cloud and Azure)

I am expert in PHP and its frameworks (such as Codeigniter and Laravel).

Chat with me on WhatsApp

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Samuel Fajreldines

I am a specialist in the entire JavaScript and TypeScript ecosystem.

I am expert in AI and in creating AI integrated solutions.

I am expert in DevOps and Serverless Architecture

I am expert in PHP and its frameworks.

+55 (51) 99226-5039

samuelfajreldines@gmail.com

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Why I Hired ChatGPT Pro ($200/Month) as My Junior Developer

As a software engineer deeply immersed in the JavaScript and TypeScript ecosystems, I'm always seeking ways to optimize my workflow and stay ahead of the curve. Recently, I took a step that might seem unconventional at first glance: I "hired" ChatGPT Pro, an AI language model, to function as my junior developer—a decision that costs me $200 per month. This plan not only unlocks unlimited usage of GPT o1 but also includes o1-pro, offering an extensive suite of features that further amplifies its capabilities. In this post, I'll delve into the reasons behind this choice, how it has transformed my development process, and why integrating AI assistants like ChatGPT Pro can be a game-changer for software engineers.

The Growing Role of AI in Software Development

Artificial Intelligence has been making significant inroads into various industries, and software development is no exception. From intelligent code completion to automated testing, AI tools are enhancing productivity and reducing mundane tasks. With the advent of advanced language models like ChatGPT, developers now have access to AI-powered assistants that can understand and generate code, provide insights, and even help in architectural decisions.

Why ChatGPT Pro?

You might wonder, with numerous AI tools available, why choose ChatGPT Pro specifically, especially at a price point of $200 per month? Below are the key reasons—and remember, this plan includes unlimited usage of GPT o1, along with the robust features of o1-pro.

1. Advanced Language Understanding

ChatGPT Pro has been fine-tuned to understand complex queries and generate coherent, context-aware responses. This means it can comprehend detailed descriptions of problems and provide relevant solutions, much like a human junior developer would.

2. 24/7 Availability

Unlike human team members, ChatGPT Pro is available around the clock. Whether it's brainstorming ideas late at night or troubleshooting an issue early in the morning, having an AI assistant that's always accessible is invaluable.

3. Cost-Effective Resource

Hiring a junior developer comes with significant costs beyond salary, including benefits, training, and onboarding time. At $200 per month, ChatGPT Pro (including GPT o1 unlimited and o1-pro) offers a cost-effective alternative that can handle a variety of tasks without the overhead.

4. Privacy and Security

The Pro version provides enhanced privacy features, ensuring that code snippets and project details remain confidential. This is crucial when dealing with proprietary software or sensitive client information.

How ChatGPT Pro Functions as My Junior Developer

Integrating ChatGPT Pro into my workflow wasn't just about having an AI tool at my disposal; it was about leveraging it effectively as a member of my team. Here's how I've been utilizing ChatGPT Pro:

1. Code Generation and Refactoring

When working on repetitive or boilerplate code, ChatGPT Pro accelerates the process by generating code snippets based on my specifications. It also assists in refactoring existing code to improve readability and performance, adhering to best practices in JavaScript and TypeScript.

2. Debugging Assistance

Debugging can be time-consuming. ChatGPT Pro helps by analyzing error messages and suggesting potential fixes. It can quickly pinpoint issues that might take longer to identify manually, especially in complex systems.

3. Architectural Guidance

With experience in frameworks like Node.js, React, Angular, and Vue.js, I often face architectural decisions. ChatGPT Pro provides insights and considerations for different architectural patterns, aiding in making informed choices that align with scalability and maintainability goals.

4. Documentation and Comments

Well-documented code is essential for collaboration and future maintenance. ChatGPT Pro helps generate meaningful comments and documentation for codebases, ensuring that every component and function is clearly explained.

5. Learning and Exploration

The AI assistant is an excellent resource for exploring new technologies or diving deeper into unfamiliar topics. Whether it's a new feature in AWS or a lesser-known aspect of Laravel, ChatGPT Pro can provide summaries and explanations that accelerate the learning process.

The Impact on Productivity and Efficiency

Since integrating ChatGPT Pro into my workflow, I've noticed significant improvements in productivity. Tasks that previously required extensive research or trial-and-error are now streamlined. The ability to quickly generate code templates, receive debugging suggestions, and explore architectural options has reduced development time and allowed me to focus on more complex aspects of projects.

Moreover, the AI assistant serves as a constant learning companion, keeping me updated on the latest trends and best practices in software engineering. This continuous learning loop enhances my skills and keeps my expertise sharp.

Addressing Potential Concerns

While the benefits are substantial, it's essential to acknowledge potential concerns with using an AI assistant as a junior developer.

Quality and Accuracy

AI-generated code and suggestions need to be reviewed thoroughly. While ChatGPT Pro is powerful, it's not infallible. Ensuring that the output aligns with project requirements and standards is crucial.

Ethical Considerations

Relying heavily on AI might raise ethical questions about employment and the role of human developers. However, I view ChatGPT Pro as a tool that enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them. It handles routine tasks, freeing up time for creative and strategic work that requires human insight.

Security Risks

Despite enhanced privacy features, it's vital to be cautious about sharing sensitive information. Implementing protocols to anonymize data when interacting with the AI can mitigate potential risks.

Best Practices for Integrating ChatGPT Pro

To maximize the benefits of ChatGPT Pro, here are some best practices I've adopted:

Use Clear and Detailed Prompts

Providing specific and detailed instructions ensures that the AI generates more accurate and relevant responses. This reduces the time spent on clarifying or reworking outputs.

Always Review AI Output

Treat the AI's suggestions as drafts or starting points. Always review and test the generated code to ensure quality and correctness.

Combine Human Expertise with AI Assistance

Leverage the AI for tasks where it excels, such as code generation and summarization, while applying human judgment for complex decision-making and creative problem-solving.

Keep Learning and Adjusting

The AI assistant can adapt to your style and preferences over time. Continually refining your interaction with it will yield better results.

The Future of AI in Software Engineering

My experience with ChatGPT Pro has convinced me that AI will play an increasingly significant role in software development. As language models become more advanced, their ability to assist with complex tasks will grow. Far from rendering human developers obsolete, AI assistants will empower us to focus on innovation, strategy, and solving complex problems.

By embracing tools like ChatGPT Pro (including GPT o1 unlimited and o1-pro), we can enhance our capabilities, deliver projects more efficiently, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Conclusion

Hiring ChatGPT Pro as my junior developer for $200 a month—including unlimited usage of GPT o1 and access to o1-pro has been a transformative decision. It has streamlined my workflow, increased productivity, and allowed me to focus on higher-level aspects of software engineering. For developers considering whether an AI assistant is worth the investment, I can confidently say that the benefits far outweigh the costs.

As we continue to navigate the intersection of artificial intelligence and software development, integrating AI tools thoughtfully into our processes will be key to driving innovation and achieving excellence in our field.

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About Me

Samuel Fajreldines

Since I was a child, I've always wanted to be an inventor. As I grew up, I specialized in information systems, an area which I fell in love with and live around it. I am a full-stack developer and work a lot with devops, i.e., I'm a kind of "jack-of-all-trades" in IT. Wherever there is something cool or new, you'll find me exploring and learning... I am passionate about life, family, and sports. I believe that true happiness can only be achieved by balancing these pillars. I am always looking for new challenges and learning opportunities, and would love to connect with other technology professionals to explore possibilities for collaboration. If you are looking for a dedicated and committed full-stack developer with a passion for excellence, please feel free to contact me. It would be a pleasure to talk with you!

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Resume

Experience

SecurityScoreCard

Nov. 2023 - Present

New York, United States

Senior Software Engineer

I joined SecurityScorecard, a leading organization with over 400 employees, as a Senior Full Stack Software Engineer. My role spans across developing new systems, maintaining and refactoring legacy solutions, and ensuring they meet the company's high standards of performance, scalability, and reliability.

I work across the entire stack, contributing to both frontend and backend development while also collaborating directly on infrastructure-related tasks, leveraging cloud computing technologies to optimize and scale our systems. This broad scope of responsibilities allows me to ensure seamless integration between user-facing applications and underlying systems architecture.

Additionally, I collaborate closely with diverse teams across the organization, aligning technical implementation with strategic business objectives. Through my work, I aim to deliver innovative and robust solutions that enhance SecurityScorecard's offerings and support its mission to provide world-class cybersecurity insights.

Technologies Used:
Node.js Terraform React Typescript AWS Playwright and Cypress

SecurityScoreCard

Nov. 2023 - Present

New York, United States

Senior Software Engineer

I joined SecurityScorecard, a leading organization with over 400 employees, as a Senior Software Engineer, focusing primarily on frontend development. My role involves designing and building user-centric interfaces, optimizing performance, and ensuring seamless user experiences across our web applications.

I specialize in modern frontend technologies, crafting scalable and maintainable codebases while integrating them efficiently with backend systems. I also contribute to UI/UX improvements, enhancing usability and accessibility to align with industry best practices.

Beyond development, I collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and backend engineers to ensure cohesive and intuitive applications. By leveraging my expertise in frontend architecture and performance optimization, I help SecurityScorecard deliver high-quality cybersecurity insights through fast, responsive, and visually compelling interfaces.

Technologies Used:
Node.js Terraform React Typescript AWS Playwright and Cypress
Mahisoft Inc

Dec. 2022 - Present

New York, United States

Senior Software Engineer

I joined Mahisoft as a Senior Software Engineer, where I serve as the lead technologist responsible for all the technology and systems related to the projects under my charge.

I specialize in translating the directives from the board members of Top Trader League into functional, scalable code. My work often involves architecting backend systems, optimizing database queries, and building responsive, user-friendly front-end interfaces to convert the leadership team's vision into tangible results that drive business impact.

One of my key responsibilities is writing efficient and maintainable code that not only meets but exceeds the technical requirements, ensuring that our software solutions are robust and scalable.

Technologies Used:
Node.js PHP (Laravel) React Google Cloud AWS Terraform
Vagalume Midia

Aug. 2021 - Dec. 2022

Senior Software Engineer

I was privileged to join Vagalume as a Senior Full Stack Developer, brought on board by the company's owner, Daniel. At Vagalume, I was the go-to person for a wide array of tasks spanning both coding and DevOps.

As the largest enterprise I've worked for in terms of user base and visitor traffic, Vagalume provided a complex and stimulating environment where I honed my skills in DevOps and high-scalability systems. The guidance and mentorship from Daniel have been invaluable, shaping not only my professional development but also forging a lasting friendship.

One of my most notable contributions was the complete overhaul of Vagalume's radio systems. This involved rearchitecting the infrastructure and rewriting the codebase. The end result was a significant boost in system performance and a marked reduction in AWS operating costs.

Technologies Used:
Node.js PHP React Vue.js AWS Terraform Extensive use of SEO techniques
Anilha

Feb. 2019 - Dec. 2021

Side period

Founder

I believe that the best way to learn is by doing something with what you are learning.

So, during my free time, I started an app called Anilha. Anilha means dumbbell in Portuguese and the app was designed to help users with flexible diet and workouts.

I can say with 100% certainty that Anilha was the biggest factor in my learning process.

Technologies Used:
Node.js Ionic Angular AWS Lambda DynamoDB Terraform
Secretária Virtual

Sep. 2019 - Aug. 2021

Senior Software Engineer

I had the privilege of being recruited by Leonardo Leffa, a close friend and mentor, to oversee the technology initiatives across a diverse portfolio of enterprises under the umbrella of Secretaria Virtual. In this capacity, my responsibilities extended beyond mere code writing to shaping the development processes and workflows that governed how tasks were requested by users and collaborators within the company.

During my tenure at Secretaria Virtual, I led an array of complex development projects as directed by the company's senior leadership. My scope of work covered:

Infrastructure Development: Ensuring robust, scalable backend solutions.

System Development: Architecting and coding business-critical applications.

Monitoring & Testing: Establishing metrics and frameworks to ensure software reliability.

I was instrumental in ushering the company into a new technological era by advocating for and implementing cloud computing solutions and continuous integration practices. Moreover, I led the shift towards Agile development by introducing the Scrum methodology, fostering a more collaborative and efficient work environment.

Technologies Used:
Node.js PHP AngularJS Laravel CodeIgniter Ionic
E-TRUST

Sep. 2017 - Sep. 2019

Senior Software Engineer

Operating in the critical sphere of Information Security, E-trust necessitates the utmost safeguarding of data across all its platforms.

As a Senior Developer at E-trust, I was entrusted with a multi-faceted role that included not only coding but also shaping the development processes in collaboration with upper management. My primary mission was to innovate new features while modernizing both frontend and backend architectures of our Horacius system—all while maintaining rigorous security protocols.

In pursuit of code excellence and efficient workflows, I established clean coding practices based on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles. I was also instrumental in introducing continuous integration processes, which included automated migrations and code validation through specialized robotic checks.

Among my proudest achievements was the complete revamping of the Horacius system's frontend. The challenge was not just to modernize it but also to ensure backward compatibility with legacy systems. The successful implementation resonated well with our client base, which includes some of Brazil's largest banks and corporations.

Being at the forefront of creating the company's code culture, I was exposed to substantial responsibilities and unparalleled learning experiences, particularly in the realms of security and DevOps.

Technologies Used:
PHP Microsoft SQL Server Windows Server

Education

UniRitter

2015 - 2018

UniRitter Laureate International Universities

Bachelor of Computer Science

Engaged in a rigorous program at UniRitter Laureate International Universities, renowned as one of the top institutions in the country. Excelled in System Analysis and Development, receiving accolades for academic excellence. Although I did not complete the degree due to career opportunities in the field, my foundational education and achievements at UniRitter have significantly contributed to my professional capabilities and expertise.