AI Coding Assistants: The 70/30 Rule and the Enduring Human Role

AI coding assistants automate roughly 70% of software development, handling boilerplate and routine tasks. However, the remaining 30%—complex requirements, architecture, edge cases, and ensuring correctness—demands human expertise. This article explores the crucial skills engineers need to thrive alongside AI, including system design, handling edge cases, code review, debugging, communication, and continuous learning. Senior engineers should leverage their experience to guide AI and mentor junior developers, while junior developers should focus on fundamentals, problem-solving, and testing. AI accelerates development but doesn't replace human judgment; the article emphasizes the enduring importance of critical thinking, design, quality assurance, and problem-solving in the age of AI.
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