For over 17 years, I’ve witnessed the evolution of technology firsthand — from the days of coding in COBOL and Rexx on mainframes to becoming a full-stack developer in today’s dynamic landscape. Despite the incredible advancements, I often found myself longing for software that was both easy to use and sensibly priced. When I set out to find a good AI-powered chatbot, I was disappointed to discover that most available solutions were either massive, expensive sales traps like Sierra.ai or Observe.ai, or simply didn’t leverage AI to its fullest potential.
My breakthrough came when I started experimenting with a few test AI agent chat widgets. Working with Claude 3.5 and Cursor felt nothing short of magical. Claude 3.5 — oh it’s additive — it almost seems to understand your thoughts. Sure, it makes mistakes, but coupled with nearly two decades of experience and a passion for innovation, it reignited the thrill I once felt playing with pointers and records on a mainframe.
Coding has transformed into an art where imagination is seamlessly translated into code with the help of AI. Those small wins and smiles, which once came after grueling weeks debugging broken Java or mainframe code, are now instantaneous. In just a few weeks, I vibe-coded an extensive chat framework that I can hardly believe I built. This isn’t just another project — it’s a testament to how AI can be a catalyst for creativity and innovation.
For many, AI may seem like a harbinger of doom. But for some of us, it’s become a new form of addiction — an addiction to the freedom and endless possibilities it brings. As I look at the monstrous SaaS offerings flooding the market, I’m convinced that AI truly empowers innovation. It’s additive, it’s liberating, and it’s redefining what it means to build software in our time.
Tips for AI Addictive Coding
Over the years, I’ve honed a few tips to help you embrace the power of AI and even get a little “addicted” to the creative process:
- Find a Project You Can Improve
Look for a piece of software or a process that you know you could do better. Identify its shortcomings and imagine how AI can transform it. This will not only motivate you but also ensure that your project has a tangible impact.
- Plan for Drawbacks and Rewrite with AI in Mind
Every project has its limitations. Before diving in, plan for potential drawbacks — what’s not working and why? Then, consider how you would rebuild it with AI as the foundation. This mindset shift allows you to see obstacles as opportunities for reinvention.
- Get Design Inspiration
Tools like Cursor and Claude 3.5 are your new best friends. They not only help you code faster but also inspire you with their intuitive understanding of what could be. Use them as a reference point to explore design ideas and create user interfaces that are both modern and functional. (Imagine the seamless integration of a dynamic UI, where AI and design coalesce to enhance the user experience.)
- Ask AI to Code Step by Step
When working with AI, break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps instead of issuing one long, complex command. This approach prevents the AI from becoming overwhelmed and making mistakes. Always review every change thoroughly — don’t blindly accept the code generated by AI. Remember, AI is a tool that follows your instructions, and we’re still the ones in charge.
- Get Ready to Get Addicted
Once you start experiencing the immediate gratification of AI-driven coding — where your ideas are rapidly transformed into working code — you might find yourself hooked. The thrill of quick iterations, instant feedback, and the creative freedom to explore new solutions can be irresistible. Embrace it, but remember to balance it with thoughtful planning and testing.
AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a new way of thinking and building. It’s additive, it’s liberating, and it’s here to stay. So, if you’re ready to experience a revolution in coding — where every line of code feels like a work of art — jump in and let the addiction begin!
Check out the repo which has born out of my addiction: github.com/chattermate/chattermate.chat
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