From Skepticism to Overreliance, My Journey With AI (And How to Thrive as a Coder)

A developer chronicled a multi-year shift from skepticism about ChatGPT in early 2023 to overreliance on GitHub Copilot by 2025, which prompted an "AI detox" and a set of personal rules for using AI without eroding core coding skills. The developer argues that building real skills first and then leveraging AI is the way to thrive in the AI era, and has published a guide, Street-Smart Coding, based on that journey.

In early 2023, a coworker tried that new thing called ChatGPT. He shared his excitement. I wasn't that impressed. Months later, after all the buzz, I searched that Chat thing . Every time I tried, I couldn't access it. It was a public beta or something. Too many people. Then, I learned from Brent Ozar https://canro91.github.io/2025/02/02/LessonsFromBrentOzar to keep a browser tab with ChatGPT open as a junior assistant. Mmm, there's something there... In early 2024, Devin was released https://canro91.github.io/2024/04/29/2034Predictions . "The sky is falling" all over the headlines. I didn't buy it. Early 2025, I decided to try AI with a fresh mind. After using Copilot for weeks, "OMG This thing is dangerous." One day I realized I couldn't finish a simple task alone. The tool worked, but I was becoming so dependent https://canro91.github.io/2025/07/13/TheProblemWithAI . An AI detox season followed. No more AI until you eat your vegetables and do your homework. Then I made some https://canro91.github.io/2025/10/14/AIRule rules https://canro91.github.io/2026/01/26/AnotherAIRule to use AI without losing my skills. Like any other tool, AI is a game changer with the right skills. Otherwise, it's like a fancy calculator https://canro91.github.io/2025/11/27/HowToThinkOfAI in a math exam you didn't study for. To thrive in the AI era, build real skills, then leverage AI https://canro91.github.io/2026/02/12/RealSkills . This is the way To help you build AI-proof skills, I wrote Street-Smart Coding https://imcsarag.gumroad.com/l/streetsmartcoding/?utm source=devto&utm medium=post&utm campaign=skepticism-overreliance-my-journey-ai . The guide I wish I had on my journey from junior to senior.