How I Use AI Tools to Code Faster (Without Losing Logic)

AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Cursor have become essential tools in my workflow. But using them effectively requires strategy. Here's how I leverage AI to code faster while maintaining code quality and understanding.

1. Use AI for Boilerplate, Not Logic

AI excels at generating repetitive code. Use it for:

• Component scaffolding
• API endpoint structures
• Form validation patterns
• Test case templates

But always write your core business logic yourself. This ensures you understand what the code does.

2. Prompt Engineering Matters

Better prompts = better code. Be specific:

// Bad prompt:
"Create a user service"

// Good prompt:
"Create an Angular service for user management with:
- getUserById method using HttpClient
- Error handling with RxJS catchError
- TypeScript interfaces for User type
- JSDoc comments"

3. Review and Refactor AI Code

Never blindly accept AI-generated code. Always:

• Review the logic
• Check for security issues
• Refactor for your codebase style
• Add proper error handling
• Write tests

4. Use AI for Documentation

AI is great at generating documentation:

// Ask AI to document your function:
"Generate JSDoc comments for this function:
function calculateTotal(items, tax) {
  return items.reduce((sum, item) => sum + item.price, 0) * (1 + tax);
}"

5. Debugging with AI

When stuck on a bug, paste the error and relevant code to AI:

• Include the full error message
• Show the problematic code
• Explain what you expected vs. what happened
• Ask for explanations, not just fixes

6. Learn from AI Suggestions

Don't just copy-paste. When AI suggests code:

• Understand why it works
• Learn new patterns
• Research unfamiliar APIs
• Adapt to your needs

7. Use AI for Code Reviews

Before submitting PRs, ask AI to review:

• "Review this code for potential bugs"
• "Suggest performance improvements"
• "Check for security vulnerabilities"
• "Suggest better naming conventions"

8. Context is Key

Provide context when asking AI:

• Framework and version
• Project structure
• Existing patterns in codebase
• Specific requirements

9. Don't Over-Depend

Balance is crucial:

• Use AI for repetitive tasks
• Write complex logic yourself
• Understand everything you commit
• Keep learning fundamentals

10. My Workflow

Here's my typical workflow:

1. Plan the feature mentally
2. Use AI to scaffold structure
3. Write core logic manually
4. Ask AI to generate tests
5. Review and refactor everything
6. Document with AI help

"AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement. Use it to amplify your skills, not replace your thinking."

Conclusion

AI tools can dramatically speed up development, but they require thoughtful use. Focus on using AI for what it's good at (boilerplate, documentation, suggestions) while maintaining control over your core logic. The goal is to code faster while still understanding every line you write.