DEV Community: Karan Kumar

I got tired of rebuilding the same UI for every Expo app, so I built ExpoKit

Karan Kumar — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 19:16:59 +0000

Every new Expo app I start goes the same way.

Day one: "this time I'll focus on the actual product."
Day three: I'm still building a bottom sheet. Then a login screen. Then a settings page. Then charts that don't look like they're from 2015.

I've rebuilt the same UI so many times that I finally put it all in one place.

Meet ExpoKit

ExpoKit is a set of animated components, charts and full app screens for Expo and React Native.

It's not a package you install and fight with. You run one command and the code lands in your project:

npx @expokit/cli@latest add button otp-input

That's it. It's your code now. Change the colors, the animations, whatever you want.

Why I built it this way

You own the code. UI libraries are great until you need to change one small thing and end up digging through someone else's source. Copy-paste fixes that.

No native modules. Everything runs in Expo Go. No prebuild, no dev client, no "works on iOS but crashes on Android" surprises.

It should feel native. Proper animations and gestures, not a web page squeezed into a phone.

Charts that actually feel good

This was my favorite part to build. Every chart is animated and touchable: tap to inspect, drag to scrub, and they all follow your theme.

Full screens, not just buttons

Try it on your phone

Go to expokit.karandev.in and scan the QR with Expo Go. You'll be playing with everything on your real phone in seconds.

A lot of it is free. Pro is a one-time payment, no subscription.

I'd love honest feedback. What's the one screen or component you're tired of rebuilding? Drop it in the comments and I might build it next 👇

Don’t Be Scared of AI. Be Scared of Being Basic in a World That’s Upgrading.

Karan Kumar — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:24:30 +0000

“Bro AI is getting crazy… are devs even needed now?”
YES. And if you know how to use it right, you’re more needed than ever.

Let’s break it down — no cap.

What even is AI?
AI = Artificial Intelligence
Basically, it’s your super-smart assistant.
It helps with tasks, writes code, debugs stuff, suggests solutions, and saves you HOURS.

But remember:
It’s an assistant, not the CEO.
You’re still the main brain.

Should I use AI while learning to code?
If you’re just starting out — like still figuring out HTML from HTTP — don’t rely on AI too much.
Here’s why:

AI gives you answers, but not the “why” behind them
Copy-pasting from day one = no real problem-solving muscle
You’ll skip real dev growth

Instead, try this:

Docs (yes, read the boring stuff)
YouTube (free mentorship, kinda)
Stack Overflow (classic dev trauma center 😅)

Then once you’ve built 10–15 mini projects and got your hands dirty...
Bring in AI to boost your speed + output.

How I use AI as a dev

ChatGPT: Brainstorming logic, bug fixing, writing cleaner code
Cursor (with Claude): My go-to for fast workflows
v0.dev: Building UIs and landing pages in minutes
Grok & Perplexity: Staying updated on tech drops
GitHub Copilot (sometimes): Inline suggestions that flow with me

But key point:

I already knew how to code — I just use AI to level up, not learn from scratch.

So… will AI take dev jobs?
Short answer: Nope.
Long answer: It’ll take jobs from devs who stop adapting.

If you:

Keep up with tech
Learn smart AI usage
Build real skills

Then you’re literally unstoppable.

Companies don’t just want someone who can code.
They want someone who’s fast, updated, and efficient.

“It’s not AI vs Developers — it’s Developers + AI vs time.”

TL;DR

AI’s not your enemy. It’s your cheat code if you know when & how to use it.
Don’t depend on AI when you’re just starting — build core skills first.
Use AI for review, speed, and better solutions.
Keep learning. Keep building. Stay updated.
Be the dev who uses AI — not the one who fears it.
AI ain’t takin’ your job, bro — it’s exposing folks who stopped learning.
Use it right and you’re a weapon.

Let AI be your sidekick — you’re still the main character.

Funny fact:
I literally used AI to help me write this blog too.
Told you — it’s all about how you use it.

– Karan

Unlocking AI’s Full Potential with Prompt Pilot: Your Prompt Engineering Sidekick

Karan Kumar — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:36:59 +0000

The Power of a Good Prompt

AI is only as good as the instructions you give it. A vague or sloppy prompt? You’ll get a mediocre response. But a sharp, well-crafted one? That’s where the magic happens. I recently discovered Prompt Pilot (https://promptpilot.infinitylinkage.com/), a tool that turns your rough ideas into powerful AI prompts — and it’s become my go-to for leveling up my AI game.

What Is Prompt Pilot?
Imagine having a co-pilot that speaks your language — literally. Prompt Pilot supports both English and Hindi, letting you toss in a simple thought like “Story about a magical forest” or “एक केक बनाने की विधि” (a cake recipe). Its AI-powered refinement kicks in, transforming your basic input into something detailed and actionable. It’s like handing your idea to a pro editor who knows exactly what AI needs.

Why It Stands Out
Unlike typing prompts into ChatGPT and hoping for the best, Prompt Pilot offers smart enhancement. You pick your complexity — Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced — and it tailors the output accordingly. Need a quick explanation of quantum computing? Go Basic. Want a deep dive? Crank it to Advanced. Plus, it saves your prompt history, so you can revisit and reuse your best ideas without starting from scratch.

How It Works in Action
I tested it with “Explain quantum computing.” At Intermediate, it spat out: “Provide a clear, concise explanation of quantum computing, focusing on its core principles like superposition and entanglement, suitable for a curious beginner.” Feed that to an AI, and you get a response that’s spot-on — no fluff, no jargon overload. The Hindi support is just as slick — my cake recipe prompt turned into a step-by-step masterpiece.

Who’s It For?
Whether you’re a writer brainstorming stories, a student decoding tough topics, or just someone who loves tinkering with AI, Prompt Pilot fits the bill. It’s not about replacing your creativity — it’s about amplifying it. The multilingual edge makes it a gem for non-English speakers, too, breaking down barriers in the AI world.

Getting Started
Head to https://promptpilot.infinitylinkage.com/, type your idea (English or Hindi), tweak the complexity, and hit “Enhance Prompt.” You’ll see your refined version pop up, ready to roll. There’s even a GitHub link for the curious coders out there (check their project repository). Oh, and it’s free to try — what’s not to love?

Why Prompt Engineering Matters
AI isn’t mind-reading (yet). Tools like Prompt Pilot bridge that gap, making sure your intent shines through. As someone who’s wasted hours tweaking prompts, I can vouch: this saves time and sanity. It’s less about wrestling with AI and more about unlocking its full potential.

Final Thoughts
Prompt Pilot isn’t just a tool — it’s a mindset shift. It proves that with the right nudge, anyone can master prompt engineering. So, next time you’re staring at a blank AI chat, give it a spin. Your ideas deserve to soar, and Prompt Pilot’s here to make it happen.