In this episode of Elixir Wizards, hosts Charles Suggs and Emma Whamond sit down with Saša Jurić, Elixir mentor and author of Elixir in Action, to discuss software craftsmanship in the age of AI. As AI coding tools become increasingly capable, Saša argues that the real challenge isn't generating code, it's maintaining quality, clarity, and shared understanding within a codebase.
We explore the difference between correct code and good code, and why code is more than a set of instructions for a machine to execute. Code is also documentation, communication, and a long-term investment that future developers must be able to understand and maintain. Saša shares his concerns about the growing "theater of pull requests," where teams go through the motions of code review without creating meaningful opportunities for learning, feedback, or knowledge sharing.
The hosts and Saša talk about practical ways to work effectively with AI, including taking smaller steps, carefully reviewing AI-generated code, and using AI as a collaborative tool rather than an autonomous developer. Throughout the discussion, Saša challenges the industry's obsession with speed and makes the case that the principles of good software development (incremental progress, clear communication, and human judgment) remain important in the age of AI.
Key Topics Discussed
The difference between correct code and good code
Code as communication, documentation, and shared understanding
The "theater of pull requests" and ineffective review practices
How AI is changing software development workflows
Using AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement
Why smaller, incremental changes lead to better outcomes
Human oversight in AI-assisted development
Balancing development speed with maintainability
Pull request size and review effectiveness
Commit history as a tool for storytelling and context
The risks of accumulating technical debt faster with AI
Testing and validating AI-generated code
Refactoring AI-generated solutions for clarity
Applying agile principles to AI-assisted workflows
The role of experience and judgment in software design
Why software craftsmanship still matters in the age of AI
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