The Problem: Confusing Execution with Thought #
Developers often make the mistake of treating AI coding agents as partners in thinking rather than as precision execution tools. Giving a model a vague goal like:
"Implement the entire new user dashboard"
asks it to handle complexity, context, and architecture—tasks it struggles with due to context drift and hallucination.
The philosophy:
- You, the developer, are the Architect. You define the architecture, manage complexity, and write the blueprint.
- AI is the Executioner. It performs repetitive, mechanical changes with precision.
The goal: a structured workflow that maximizes both human and AI strengths without replacing thought.
Step 1: Architect’s Choice – When to Code Manually #
Before firing up an agent, decide if the task needs human reasoning or AI execution.
| Scenario | Who Handles It | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High Conceptual Load | Human | Complex algorithms, new service interfaces, tricky concurrency bugs. Human reasoning is critical. |
| Simple, Isolated Change | Human | Typos, variable renames, tiny style adjustments—writing the prompt may take longer than coding. |
| Mechanical, Repetitive Change | AI | Generating boilerplate CRUD, migrating components, adding multiple similar unit tests. |
| High Context, Low Complexity | AI | Tedious changes affecting many files, like renaming props or updating patterns across the app. |
Rule of thumb: If the task is cognitively heavy, do it yourself. If it’s repetitive and mechanical, hand it to the AI.
Step 2: AI-Driven Prompt Engineering (Planning Phase) #
Use an interactive AI (Copilot Chat, ChatGPT, etc.) not to write code, but to validate your blueprint.
Ask the AI questions like:
"What context or instruction is missing for this task?"
"Which conventions or dependencies are unclear?"
This ensures the blueprint is complete. The output: a single, precise prompt ready for execution.
Step 3: Context Constraint – The 10-File Rule #
Never let a single AI task touch more than 10 files. This enforces:
- Context control: The LLM can “see” all relevant files, minimizing errors.
- Faster review: Small, focused MRs are easier to validate and merge quickly.
Step 4: The Precision Mandate – Turning AI Into a Diff Machine #
Instead of vague instructions:
"Update the user profile page to support theme toggling."
Give line-level, file-specific instructions:
In src/context/themeContext.js, add setThemeMode.
In src/components/Navbar.jsx, import setThemeMode and call it on button click.
In src/styles/global.css, add a new CSS variable for dark mode color.
Why this works:
The AI now executes exactly what you’ve defined, respecting naming conventions, helper methods, and architectural patterns. Accuracy skyrockets (90%+ on the first pass).
Step 5: Scaling Complexity – Breaking Down Large Features #
For tasks that exceed 10 files, split them into atomic MRs, each with its own blueprint:
- MR 1: Data & Service Layer (Ex: 6 files) – Define schema, service methods.
- MR 2: State Management & Hooks (Ex: 8 files) – Implement global state, fetch data.
- MR 3: UI Components (Ex: 9 files) – Build UI using the new hooks and service layer.
Conclusion: The Modern Developer’s Role #
AI is not replacing developers—it’s elevating them. By controlling context, providing precise instructions, and reserving complex thinking for humans:
- We speed up execution.
- Reduce cognitive load.
- Maintain architectural integrity.
The Architect-Executioner model: you design, AI executes. Clean, fast, and precise.