I'm working at a small company where our founder lacks coding skills and is inexperienced in technology. Recently, the founder and a partner presented a concept for a new product, suggesting that around 80% of the development could be done quickly using AI tools. They believe that actual coding might not even be necessary anymore and that prompt engineers are the new high-demand professionals. However, in my experience with various AI tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Lovable, I've only managed to achieve about 30-40% of the project with multiple prompts and extensive code adjustments. I'm seeking advice on whether there are any tools that can truly enable such capabilities, or if this perspective on AI's role in development is misguided. Any insights would be appreciated!
4 Answers
It sounds like your clients are overly optimistic about what AI can do. You should definitely provide them with a realistic estimate based on your experience, and don’t hesitate to explain the actual capabilities of AI. If they really think AI can replace developers entirely, they might not understand software development enough to be good clients. Just keep the communication open and honest.
Honestly, if they believe a single prompt can generate a complete app, they're in for a rude awakening. The reality is that AI tools do help, but not in the magical way they think. You could even jokingly suggest a prompt like "Hey AI, create a flawless app for me!" just to illustrate how unrealistic their expectations are.
I totally get your frustration. AI has definitely changed the industry, but many still treat it like a magic solution. It'll take time for everyone to grasp its limitations. Just hang in there—a more realistic understanding will come eventually!
There are no tools out there that can deliver on that promise consistently. If they stick to this belief, it might be time to reconsider whether to work with them. You can always tell them that you'd be happy to take on the project using your methods, but if they want to go the AI route, they might end up needing your help again later when things don't work out.
Exactly! It's tough explaining this to people who aren't technical, but hopefully, they'll see the light soon.