I’m a pretty efficient programmer. I type fast. When I have an idea, I know how to do it.
At work, I’ve tried several AI code editors, and the problem I have most often is that most of the time I’m faster than the machine. In the time it takes to write a prompt, get an answer, fix the answer, I’ve already done the thing I knew how to do in the first place.
Most of the time I know better and work faster.
To make use of these tools, I have to slow down and give it a chance.
The trick is finding those opportunities. Pause, think: “Which will take longer, reviewing somebody else’s work or writing it myself?” If it’s worth reviewing someone else’s work, I’ll give AI a chance.
I’m learning to be a more patient programmer.