Large Language Models (LLMs) especially when combined with Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) represent a groundbreaking in natural language processing. In particular, ChatGPT, a state-of-the-art conversational language model with a user-friendly interface, has garnered substantial attention owing to its remarkable capability for generating human-like responses across a variety of conversational scenarios. This survey offers an overview of ChatGPT, delving into its inception, evolution, and key technology. We summarize the fundamental principles that underpin ChatGPT, encompassing its introduction in conjunction with GPT and LLMs. We also highlight the specific characteristics of GPT models with details of their impressive language understanding and generation capabilities. We then summarize applications of ChatGPT in a few representative domains. In parallel to the many advantages that ChatGPT can provide, we discuss the limitations and challenges along with potential mitigation strategies. Despite various controversial arguments and ethical concerns, ChatGPT has drawn significant attention from research industries and academia in a very short period. The survey concludes with an envision of promising avenues for future research in the field of ChatGPT. It is worth noting that knowing and addressing the challenges faced by ChatGPT will mount the way for more reliable and trustworthy conversational agents in the years to come.
Keywords: ChatGPT; Contextual Learning; Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT); Human-Computer Interaction; Large Language Models (LLMs); Natural Language Processing (NLP); Trustworthy Conversational Agents.