GPT-Python Pulse: Creating a Family Tree

As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize how we approach problem-solving, understanding its practical applications can significantly enhance your ability to tackle diverse challenges.

In this issue of GPT-Python Pulse, we’ll walk through how ChatGPT can help generate Python code to visualize a family tree. This project not only showcases how AI can assist in generating solutions but also highlights the power of combining Python programming with AI-driven insights to solve tasks.

Whether you're familiar with Python or just starting, this project demonstrates how AI can empower you to solve tasks—even ones that seem unfamiliar at first. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Defining the Problem

A family tree is essentially a data visualization of a person's ancestry, showing relationships between family members across generations. It’s structured like a tree, with ancestors at the top and descendants branching down. Pretty straightforward, right?

Creating a family tree isn’t just about drawing lines between family members. It’s about visualizing complex relationships across generations in a clear, meaningful way. While manually creating a family tree might seem simple for small families, it quickly becomes overwhelming as the number of generations and relationships grows.

I knew ChatGPT could help me come up with some Python code for this kind of visualization, so I decided to give it a go.

Step 2: ChatGPT as My Sidekick

I had no prior experience in drawing a family tree, but I knew ChatGPT could generate code for visualizations like it does for many other tasks. So, I asked ChatGPT a few simple questions to help me get started:

1. What is a family tree?

2. Can you suggest an approach to draw one?

3. How to use Python to draw a horizontal family tree?

The responses were incredibly helpful and, to my surprise, produced the Python code that I needed to generate a family tree in no time!

Step 3: Breaking Down the ChatGPT Responses

Let’s go over how ChatGPT answered each of my prompts:

Prompt 1: "What is a family tree?"

I knew what a family tree is but I asked this question to ChatGPT have some context for our conversation. ChatGPT explained that a family tree is a visual representation of ancestry, showing the relationships between generations. It also outlined key elements of a family tree, like ancestors, descendants, siblings, and extended family. This was helpful because it gave me a clear understanding of what the final output should look like.

Prompt 2: "Can you suggest an approach to draw one?"

ChatGPT offered several layout ideas for a family tree:

- Classic Tree Shape: The oldest generation at the top, descendants below.

- Horizontal Chart: Grandparents on the left, parents in the middle, and children on the right.

- Circle or Fan Design: A more creative layout with family members arranged in concentric circles.

I chose the horizontal chart design because it seemed simple and easy to implement.

Prompt 3: "How to use Python to draw a horizontal family tree?"

ChatGPT suggested using Graphviz with Python, a great tool for hierarchical diagrams. The code provided was straightforward:

from graphviz import Digraph

# Create a directed graph
dot = Digraph(format='png', engine='dot')

# Define nodes
dot.node('G1', 'Grandparents')
dot.node('P1', 'Parent 1')
dot.node('P2', 'Parent 2')
dot.node('C1', 'Child 1')
dot.node('C2', 'Child 2')
dot.node('C3', 'Child 3')

# Connect nodes
dot.edge('G1', 'P1')
dot.edge('G1', 'P2')
dot.edge('P1', 'C1')
dot.edge('P1', 'C2')
dot.edge('P2', 'C3')

# Render the graph
dot.render('family_tree', view=True)        

This code generates a horizontal family tree with:

- Grandparents on the left,

- Parents in the middle,

- Children on the right.

I ran it, and guess what? It worked perfectly!

The Power of ChatGPT + Python

With the provided Python code, I was able to find a solution to generate a horizontal family tree in just a few minutes. It was a powerful reminder that with the right tools and approach, we can solve even unfamiliar problems efficiently.

Here’s the takeaway from this experience: ChatGPT + Python = Magic.

When you’re unsure about how to approach a new task, sometimes the best solution is to ask the right questions. ChatGPT guided me through the entire process, providing clear instructions and code that I could immediately use.

And when in doubt, remember this: Ask ChatGPT! ??

Would You Like to Try It?

You can easily generate a family tree of your own with the Python code provided above. Whether you prefer to use Graphviz for automation or LaTeX for printing, you now have the tools to bring your family’s history to life.

P.S. If you’re working on a similar visualization project, feel free to ask for help. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned along the way!