AI is changing the way we approach software development, and it’s almost impossible to ignore all the hype around tools like GitHub Copilot, automated testing, and even AI-powered documentation. While they promise to save time and make us more efficient, and I think we can all agree that they’re incredibly helpful when used correctly, they can't replace the heart of what makes us good developers.
Writing code is more than just ticking off to-do list items to meet a requirement－it's about understanding why things work the way they do, how they come together to create well-organized systems, grasping the complexities of those systems, and constantly learning and growing in our craft.
In this article, I want to share some tips on how I make sure I don't lose sight of the foundational work that helps me grow as a developer, all while leveraging AI to boost my productivity.
** I know these might seem obvious to some, but revisiting the fundamentals can make a big difference, especially as AI becomes part of our daily routines. **
Use AI as a tool, not a crutch: AI is great for speeding up repetitive tasks, generating ideas, or debugging, but it should complement your existing skills, not replace them. I always try to understand the reasoning behind the solutions AI suggests and learn from them.
Focus on learning and growing: Use AI to fill in gaps, but always prioritize continuous learning. I read books, actively engage with developer communities, and experiment with new tools and techniques to maintain and grow my technical skills.
Keep practicing problem-solving: Regularly challenge yourself. I do daily (okay, almost daily) coding challenges on LeetCode or Exercism and build my own side projects. This helps strengthen my logical thinking and strategic mindset.
Write your own tests: While AI can suggest tests, you should still write and understand them yourself. Automated testing is crucial for maintaining the quality of your code. Writing my own tests not only ensures my code works as expected but also helps me understand its functionality and purpose.
Review and refine your code: While AI can help you write code quickly, it’s important to still review what it generates. Make it a habit to ask yourself: Is this the most efficient approach? How can I make this more readable? I personally turned off the autocomplete feature because I realized it wasn’t helping me bridge the knowledge gap. Instead, I focus on fully understanding and refining the code myself.
Don't delegate creative tasks to AI: I use AI to handle repetitive or boilerplate tasks, but the creative problem-solving and system design decisions are always up to me. For example, when building a new feature, I rely on my understanding of user needs and business goals to make sure the system is not only efficient but also intuitive and user-friendly.
Stay updated on tech trends: Keep up with new languages, frameworks, tools, and best practices. I follow tech blogs, subscribe to daily tech newsletters, and watch YouTube Shorts for quick coding tips and tricks. While AI helps speed up my learning, I still make time to experiment with new technologies and apply them in real-world projects to keep learning and growing as a developer.
Remember, AI is a great tool, but it's up to us to keep sharpening the skills that matter most.
Happy coding! 👩🏽💻🧠
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