AI is nearly everywhere nowadays, and one of its most impactful areas is software development. As a result, the demand for generalist developers has started to decline. But this doesn’t mean we no longer need developers—quite the opposite. We now need experts who can guide AI and make critical decisions.
AI is powerful, but it still lacks the ability to build complete systems independently. It needs direction.
As a developer in 2025, using AI is no longer optional—it’s essential. It helps you learn faster, code smarter, and develop projects more efficiently. In this post, I’ll explain how I use AI to boost my productivity.
There are three main ways to use AI in coding:
1. Asking: This is the most basic usage. You ask the AI questions while coding, and it provides quick answers. It’s like having an expert beside you. This method is great for learning and problem-solving in real time.
2. Editing: This goes a step further. Instead of just asking, you let the AI edit specific parts of your code. I use this when I don’t want to spend time rewriting code I already understand—like generating boilerplate or repeating similar logic.
3. Agent Mode: In this approach, you give the AI full access to write and test code on its own. This is the most powerful but also the riskiest option, especially for larger projects. As the codebase grows, AI can easily lose context or make inconsistent changes.
For smaller projects, I mostly use agent mode. I maintain control using Git for version control and carefully review every change before committing. This workflow significantly speeds up my development process while keeping the code quality high.
For larger projects, I take a hybrid approach. I use agent mode during the initial setup to startup the project quickly. Then, I switch to a mix of asking and editing modes for the core development. If I get stuck, I use agent mode to explore and fix difficult issues. This combination helps me stay efficient without losing control over the codebase.
My primary tools are Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot Chat. I prefer them because of their active communities and solid support. They integrate well into my workflow and help me get things done faster.
Final Thoughts
AI is not here to replace developers—it’s here to empower them. The key is to learn how to collaborate with it effectively. Whether you’re building a small script or a complex system, AI can help you go faster, learn more, and write better code. But the responsibility for quality, structure, and vision still lies with you. Use AI wisely, and it will become one of your most valuable tools in development.
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