The rise of AI-assisted development tools like ChatGPT has reshaped how we approach coding. These tools can be powerful for inspiration, debugging, and learning new concepts, but some developers, especially those lacking experience, are treating AI as a shortcut rather than a tool. Instead of thinking through problems, they blindly copy, paste, and replace functional code without understanding the consequences.
And mi a tell yuh, this nuh mek no sense!
When AI Becomes a Crutch, Not a Tool
Imagine an application that has been running smoothly for years. Business-critical workflows? Solid. Edge cases? Handled. And then comes “the new guy”—armed with AI-generated code, blindly replacing functional logic without understanding the consequences.
What happens next?
- A minor feature update suddenly breaks entire workflows.
- Performance issues skyrocket because AI suggested a less efficient solution.
- Security vulnerabilities sneak in because AI doesn’t fully understand the context.
- Debugging becomes a nightmare because there’s now a mix of logic that no one fully understands.
These Developers Are Dangerous to Businesses
A software developer’s job isn’t just to write code, it’s to solve problems efficiently and intelligently. Developers who mindlessly replace working code with AI-generated snippets without testing or reviewing are a liability to any serious software company.
Businesses thrive on stability, scalability, and reliability. If an app goes down because some lazy dev decided to copy-paste AI suggestions without validation, the company loses money, customers, and credibility. AI won’t take the blame—you will.
How to Combat This as a Software Development Manager
If you’re managing a team, here’s how to stop this madness before it destroys your codebase (If it’s not too late):
- Enforce Code Reviews – No unchecked AI-generated code should make it to production. Period. Developers should explain why they’re using AI-generated solutions.
- Teach Problem-Solving, Not Just Coding – Some devs don’t actually understand programming logic, so they rely on AI like a lifeline. Offer training on how to think through problems first before jumping to ChatGPT.
- Require AI-Assisted Code Justifications – If someone pastes AI-generated code, they should be able to explain what it does and why it’s better than the existing code. If they can’t, it doesn’t get merged.
- Encourage Debugging and Testing – If a developer doesn’t test AI-generated code properly, they’re gambling with the system’s stability. Unit tests, integration tests, and manual verification are non-negotiable.
- Promote a Balance Between AI and Human Expertise – AI is a tool, not a developer. Encourage developers to use it for assistance, not as a replacement for critical thinking.
All mi a seh is -Stop. Read. Review.
Developers, listen up. Let me say this again… Stop. Read. Review.
Before you inject AI generated code into a production system, think about what you’re doing. Every careless line you introduce can become hours of debugging hell for your future self and your teammates.
A simple “quick fix” can cause months of headaches when a previously stable system crumbles because of careless AI usage. A good developer understands their tools, but a great developer knows when not to use them blindly.
In my next article, I’ll go into detail on how best software developers can use AI as a tool to assist with their work, not do the work for them.