ChatGPT basics

ChatGPT is the AI assistant made by OpenAI. In this lesson you'll learn your way around it: chats, models, files, Canvas, and a few settings that make it easier to use.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is like a very fast helper sitting at a desk. You write a note, slide it across, and get an answer back in seconds. The "brain" behind the desk is a family of LLMs called GPT.

• ChatGPT is the app you use (website, desktop, or phone).
• GPT is the model inside it that writes the answers.
• You can chat, upload files, and even build small apps with it.

A quick tour of the interface

Go to chatgpt.com and log in. The screen has three main parts:

• The sidebar on the left. It lists your past chats and projects.
• The chat area in the middle. Your messages and ChatGPT's answers appear here.
• The message box at the bottom. You type here and press Enter to send.

Starting a new chat

Click New chat at the top of the sidebar. A new chat is a clean page. ChatGPT won't mix in details from your last topic, which keeps answers focused.

Start a new chat whenever you switch topics. Let's try one:

I'm new to ChatGPT. In 5 short bullet points, explain what you can help me with as a beginner who wants to build simple apps without coding.

The model picker

Near the top of the chat you'll see a model picker. It lets you choose which GPT model answers you. Some models are faster. Others think longer and handle harder tasks.

For most everyday tasks, the default model is fine. If a task feels hard, try a "thinking" or reasoning option from the picker.

Uploading files

You can give ChatGPT a file to read, like a PDF, a spreadsheet, or a photo. Click the + (or paperclip) button next to the message box, pick a file, then ask your question.

I've uploaded my class timetable as a photo. List my subjects and the days I have each one, as a simple table.

Let's break this down:

• The file gives ChatGPT the context it needs.
• The prompt says exactly what to do with it.
• "As a simple table" tells it what the answer should look like.

Canvas: a workspace beside the chat

Canvas is like a whiteboard next to your chat. Instead of a long answer in the chat, ChatGPT puts a document or code in a side panel. You can then ask for changes, and it edits the panel directly.

• For writing, Canvas holds an editable document.
• For apps, Canvas holds the code and can show a preview, a live view of the running app.

To open it, choose Canvas from the tools menu, or just ask for it in your prompt:

Use canvas. Write a one-page welcome note for a study group. Keep it friendly and under 150 words.

You'll learn how to build small apps with Canvas on the next page.

Custom instructions and memory

Custom instructions are like a sticky note you put on ChatGPT's desk. It reads the note before every chat. You find them in Settings, under personalization.

I'm a beginner learning to build apps with AI. I don't know how to code.
Explain things in simple English with short steps.
When you write code, add a one-line summary of what it does.

Memory is different. ChatGPT may remember useful facts from your chats, like your name or goals. You can view, delete, or turn off memory in Settings at any time.

Projects

A project is like a folder for related chats. It keeps chats, files, and instructions together in one place. Create one from the sidebar and give it a clear name, like "Recipe app". Every chat about that topic can live there.

Using ChatGPT safely

• Don't share secrets. Never paste passwords, API keys, or bank details into a chat.
• Be careful with personal data. Remove names, phone numbers, and addresses before you upload a file.
• Check important facts. ChatGPT can hallucinate. It may sound sure and still be wrong.
• Check your data settings. Look in Settings to control whether your chats are used to improve the models.

Common mistakes

Keeping one giant chat for everything

Wrong: One chat with your homework, a recipe, and an app idea.
Right: A new chat (or a project) for each topic.

Asking without context

Wrong: Make me a study plan.
Right: Make me a 2-week study plan for Biology and Math. My exams are on the 20th and 24th. I can study 3 hours a day.

• Forgetting that free plans have limits. If you hit one, wait or switch to a lighter model.
• Trusting an answer without checking it, especially dates and numbers.

What's next?

You know your way around ChatGPT. Next, you'll use Canvas to build a small app inside ChatGPT.