I used AI. It worked. I hated it
taggart-tech.com
April 5, 2026
24 min read
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
43/100
Summary
Generative coding successfully completed a project despite strong opposition to generative AI. The user expresses conflicted feelings about utilizing AI technology while acknowledging its effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- The author used generative AI coding tools to develop a certificate generator for a project, despite personal opposition to generative AI.
- The project was completed successfully using Claude Code, which the author found to be faster than coding manually, but the experience was described as miserable.
- The author's role has shifted to that of an "AI security expert," requiring a deep understanding of AI tools to ensure their safe deployment.
- The author acknowledges the societal and environmental harms of generative AI but feels compelled to use and understand these tools for professional responsibilities.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- Junior developers are leveraging AI tools effectively, creating projects that surpass the work of more experienced programmers, highlighting the potential for innovation and creativity in coding.
- The rapid improvement of AI tools is enabling developers to automate processes like penetration testing, which enhances security and efficiency in software development.
Concerns
- The frustrating experience of constantly approving AI-generated code changes detracts from the enjoyment of programming, indicating a potential usability issue with current AI tools.
- There is skepticism about AI's ability to perform well in highly subjective fields like law and medicine, raising concerns about its effectiveness and reliability in critical applications.
- The shift towards AI-driven development is alienating programmers who value low-level coding and craftsmanship, suggesting a cultural divide in the programming community.
