# The Evolution of Craft - Embracing AI in Software Development

DevFeed: [The Evolution of Craft - Embracing AI in Software Development](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/the-evolution-of-craft-embracing-ai-in-software-development-33267.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://8thlight.com/insights/embracing-ai-software-development>)

Author: Zuko Mgwili

Published: 2025-08-21T16:21:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [8th Light Insights](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/8th-light-insights.md>)

Topics: [AI Development](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ai-development.md>), [software-development](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software-development.md>), [Software Engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/software-engineering.md>), [Code](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/code.md>)

Tags: [ai](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ai.md>), [ai-and-emerging-tech](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ai-and-emerging-tech.md>), [code](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/code.md>), [development](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/development.md>), [productivity](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/productivity.md>), [software-development](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-development.md>)

## AI overview

An engineer describes moving from skepticism to using AI code assistants in everyday software development. The article discusses reported productivity claims, the author's concerns about the loss of software craftsmanship, and the use of hobby projects to explore how AI can reduce routine development work.

## Source excerpt

The Evolution of Craft: How I Embraced AI in Software Development One Sunday morning after a church service I was enjoying a cup of tea, cake and warm conversations with fellow parishioners. One of the conversations with a particular individual shifted to work and I learned that he works in the energy sector. More specifically, he is an engineering manager for an organization specializing in renewables where he oversees a number of solar arrays and other supporting infrastructure crucial for operational efficiency. He told me he was actively recruiting to in-source the development of their software systems in an effort to reduce costs. I recommended that he seek individuals who have experience with AI code assistants or at least are open to working with them, citing my own significant productivity gains with such tools. I know some may find it paradoxical that someone who has earned a living writing code for years would now advocate for tools widely predicted to render such a profession obsolete in the near future. And, to be fair, I was initially quite skeptical of the tools myself. But after some time, I've grown to embrace them, and have found great value in using them in my everyday work life. My Initial Skepticism My initial skepticism stemmed from having witnessed so many technology hype cycles that delivered little to nothing, so I was easily dismissive of the resurgence of AI. There were early claims of productivity gains of up to 50%. However, reports have since challenged that claim and some tests have revealed a more realistic picture of 10-15%. I also had a deeper concern, one that went far beyond being made redundant by AI. It was a concern and, quite frankly, a fear about the potential loss of a cherished craft that I and many others have devoted their time to perfecting, only to have it suddenly taken over by a machine. Becoming Curious To work through my emotions, I began exploring hobby projects. Many software engineers engage in such endeavors for