Learning Timeline
Key Insights
Select 'Thinking' Mode for Best Results
For complex tasks like coding, always manually select 'Thinking' mode over 'Auto' or 'Instant'. Although it takes a few seconds longer, the quality and detail of the output are significantly better and well worth the wait.
Differences in Model Output
When generating the water simulation app, GPT-5.2 ('Thinking' mode) produces output that looks like a realistic scientific test. In contrast, GPT-5.1 ('Thinking' mode) produces output that looks more like a cartoon animation. This shows a significant improvement in realistic code generation capabilities in the newer model.
Reminder: Model Access Limits
The 'Pro' models in ChatGPT 5.2 are only available to 'Pro' and 'Business' paid account users. They cannot be accessed via free or 'Plus' accounts.
Prompts
Prompt for 3D Water Simulation
Target:
ChatGPT
Create a single page HTML file for an interactive 3D water simulation. It should have sliders to control wind speed, wave height, and time of day. The water's appearance should change based on these controls. Show the sun in the sky and its position should be affected by the time of day slider.
Step by Step
Generating a 3D Web App with ChatGPT 5.2
- Go to the ChatGPT website.
- At the top of the chat window, click on the model selection menu.
- Select 'ChatGPT 5.2' from the list of available models.
- Select the 'Thinking' operation mode. This mode is slower but produces higher-quality output for coding tasks.
- If you are using a Pro account, you might see additional options for the 'Thinking' type. Leave it on the 'standard thinking' setting.
- Paste your 3D web app prompt into the input field.
- Press 'Enter' or click the send icon to start generating the code.
- ChatGPT will start 'thinking' and then generate the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code in a single file for the application.
- Once finished, test the app in the provided preview window.
- Use sliders like 'wind speed', 'wave height', and 'time of day' to interact with the simulation and see visual changes to the water and environment.
Comparing with the GPT-5.1 Model
- To see the quality difference, start a new chat session.
- Click the model selection menu at the top and select 'ChatGPT 5.1'.
- Ensure you also select the 'Thinking' mode for this model.
- Use the same prompt you used earlier to generate the 3D water simulation.
- Send the prompt and wait for the code to be generated.
- Compare the visual output and functionality between the apps generated by GPT-5.2 and GPT-5.1 to understand the difference in capabilities between the two models.
