AI Tools for Developers

AI as a pair programmer

Tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and ChatGPT can speed up boilerplate, tests, and docs — but you still own architecture and review.

Effective prompts

Context: Next.js 15 App Router, TypeScript, Prisma + PostgreSQL
Task: Add a GET /api/tutorials endpoint with category filter
Constraints: Use Zod validation, return { tutorials: [] }

Prompt checklist

• State framework and versions
• Describe expected input/output
• Mention existing patterns in the codebase
• Ask for tests when logic is critical

Reviewing AI-generated code

// Always verify: auth checks, SQL injection, error handling
export async function GET(request: Request) {
  const key = request.headers.get("x-admin-key");
  if (key !== process.env.ADMIN_API_KEY) {
    return Response.json({ error: "Unauthorized" }, { status: 401 });
  }
  // ...
}

When not to use AI

• Security-sensitive auth flows (review manually)
• Pricing/billing logic
• Legal/compliance copy

Building habits

Use AI to explore APIs and draft docs, then refine with your team's standards — especially important when mentoring junior devs in African tech hubs.