So, Why AI?#
It’s the question on every tech professional’s mind. Are we just handing over the keys to our future robot overlords? Maybe. But I’ve found that for now, using AI is less about becoming obsolete and more about learning and efficiency. It’s a tool that, when used correctly, can enhance our best skills and handle the parts of the job we’d rather not do. I’m using it to learn faster, build better, and reclaim some of my time.
My New Junior Developer#
I’m not about to let an AI take the lead on a major project, but for getting started, it’s an incredible junior developer. It’s fantastic for quickly templating or scaffolding code. I can ask for a PowerShell script with argument parsing or a boilerplate docker-compose.yml and get a solid starting point in seconds. It handles the tedious grunt work, freeing me up to concentrate on the more complex logic and overall architecture.
My Tireless Mentor#
Let’s be honest, we’ve all had those questions we were a bit too embarrassed to ask in a team channel. “What’s the actual difference between a symlink and a hard link again?” or “Can you explain Docker networking to me like I’m five?” With an AI, there are literally no dumb questions. It’s a patient mentor that’s available 24/7, ready to explain complex topics in a way that makes sense to me, without any judgment.
My Ever-Patient Debugger#
For years, the most trusted engineer on my teams has been a simple rubber duck. Well, not an actual rubber duck, more a rooster, specifically a stuffed Hei Hei (yes, from Moana). The act of explaining a problem to a duck or rooster may sound a little fowl, but I assure you, many a developer do it. It forces you to structure your thoughts and see the flaws in your logic. Now, imagine if that duck had read every programming book ever written and could offer suggestions. That’s what using AI feels like. It’s the ultimate evolution of the rubber duck, one that actually quacks back with useful advice.
My Uncomplaining Documentation Engineer#
Who actually enjoys writing documentation? I know I don’t. It’s a necessary evil, but it’s often the last thing on my to-do list. Now, I can just hand off my code and a few notes to an AI and get back starter documentation. It transforms the task from ‘dreaded chore’ to ‘quick review and edit.’ It’s like having a technical writer on staff who works for free and never complains about my variable names. My PR reviewer will do enough of that for everyone.
My Infinite Idea Generator#
Sometimes, the hardest part of a project is just getting started. I might have a vague idea but feel stuck on how to approach it. I can brainstorm with an AI, throwing out ideas and getting suggestions in return. It’s a great way to explore different possibilities and break through creative blocks when the inspiration just isn’t there.
It’s important to remember that AI is not infallible. It can and will make mistakes, and will insist it is correct. These “hallucinations” can range from citing non-existent functions to inventing entire code libraries. The code it generates must be tested, the facts it provides must be checked, and its suggestions must be weighed against your own experience. It’s a partner, not a puppy.
In the end, it’s not about replacing my brain; it’s about giving it a companion with a box that’s bigger on the inside. And if that means I get to build cooler stuff, learn faster, and maybe even get a little more sleep… well, I’m all for it.
