10 Surprising Insights from Working with AI in Coding

As I continued to explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into my coding workflow, I uncovered more lessons on its impact. Here are ten key takeaways:

1. **AI Changes Coding Rhythm**: With AI as a conversational partner, coding becomes a dialogue rather than a solo activity. The challenge lies in maintaining control over the tempo and knowing when to slow down and think.

2. **The Problem of Too Much Help**: AI can be too eager, providing excessive assistance. It’s essential to establish boundaries and learn to rein it in to avoid over-reliance.

3. **Personality Matters**: Working with AI reveals our communication style, highlighting the importance of personality in coding collaborations. Some people thrive on explaining, while others prefer quiet introspection.

4. **The Hidden Danger of Lazy Detail**: AI can lead to shortcuts and lack of artisanal detail if not guarded against. We must prioritize attention to detail and craftsmanship to maintain high-quality work.

5. **Articulate Intent**: Working with AI forces us to clarify our thoughts, much like explaining a problem to a new teammate. Precision is key, and this process often reveals what we really meant.

6. **TIL Moments Multiply**: AI changes the way we frame questions and discover new angles. Each prompt becomes an opportunity to learn something new daily.

7. **A New Collaboration Etiquette**: As AI enters our workflows, we’re inventing a new etiquette for collaboration, involving rules, rhythms, and cultural shifts.

8. **Stretching Engineer Stereotype**: The engineer stereotype is breaking down, as AI emphasizes the importance of soft skills like explaining, mentoring, and dialogue.

9. **AI Amplifies Discipline and Drift**: Used well, AI enhances our discipline and consistency. However, it can also lead to drift if not wielded responsibly, highlighting the need for balance.

10. **The Future Feels More Social Than Solitary**: Coding no longer feels lonely, as AI brings dialogue and collaboration into the development process. The future of software development may focus on reshaping this experience into something more conversational and human-like.

As I reflect on my experiences with AI in coding, it’s clear that we’re evolving into new kinds of coders – ones who value collaboration, clarity, and creative dialogue.

Source: https://thenewstack.io/amplifying-the-good-and-the-bad-10-more-ai-coding-lessons