WordPress developers use AI for a wide range of tasks. We’re building custom plugins, troubleshooting code, and automating processes. It’s all good stuff!
Adopting this technology has significantly changed our role. It’s no longer about poring over each line of code. Now, we’re closer to a symphony conductor, orchestrating projects as a large language model (LLM) does the dirty work.
We can certainly appreciate the increase in productivity. Fewer moments spent knee-deep in documentation or support forums means more time to get things done.
This also makes it tempting to remove humans from the picture. Some agencies and development shops have cut staffing in favor of AI. It makes sense on a few levels. An AI tool is cheaper than an employee or freelancer. And the gains in efficiency mean one person can do the work of many.
But there’s a fine line between increasing output and relying too heavily on AI. Here’s why humans should still be a part of the process.
Knowledgeable Humans Are Essential for Quality Assurance
There’s something to be said for a well-trained eye. A seasoned developer can envision how an app should work. Their experience helps them effectively structure projects and avoid common pitfalls. They understand the importance of performance and security.
On the other hand, AI models are great at generating code, but they don’t think like a human. They may use techniques that aren’t as efficient for a particular purpose. They can also misinterpret what we’re asking them to do. Like their human counterparts, AI tools aren’t perfect.
Even the most advanced coding tools can make mistakes. It could be as simple as a syntax error. However, they may also produce work that doesn’t account for edge cases or future maintenance.
That’s why a human should carefully review all AI output. Generated code should be tested with a mix of manual observation and automated tools. It’s no different than a senior-level developer keeping a watchful eye on what their team is producing.
Remember, automation isn’t an excuse to lower your standards. If anything, it provides an opportunity to squash bugs and refine functionality. Building with AI works best when done in tandem with a knowledgeable person.
Developers Can Shift Their Focus to the Bigger Picture
Solo developers and teams alike have traditionally struggled with the little things. Tight deadlines and shoestring budgets make it hard to get the details right. So often, it’s a race to the finish line, rather than a quest to create the best possible result.
The details are often what make a WordPress plugin or theme great. This happens when we go beyond software that merely works and focus on things like the user experience. AI gives us a chance to take a larger view of our projects.
We no longer have to write code by hand. That may bring a tear to your eye (or make you leap for joy). The bright side is that you now have time to create a comprehensive plan for each project. You can define how it looks, how it works, and how it will adapt to future needs. Even if you were doing these things before, you’ll have a chance to think bigger and better.
All of a sudden, deadlines are a little less important. You’re free to explore options and test them. Most of all, you can afford to make a mistake or two along the way. Rewriting a code snippet isn’t a disaster that puts you behind. Rather, it was just a failed experiment you encountered along the way.
The additional room for creativity could be a difference-maker. We can go from “we’ll get to it later” to “let’s get it right from the start” – that’s powerful for developers of all stripes.
People and AI Are Better Together
Every WordPress developer should be exploring AI and how it can benefit their workflow. We’re well beyond the point where it’s just a curiosity. The future of our industry depends on how we use and adapt to this technology.
The sad truth is that AI will continue to cause some businesses to reduce their staff. It seems like an unavoidable consequence.
We must be careful, though. To borrow from WordPress terminology, this doesn’t mean we should cut people out of the loop. Humans are still integral to building great software. As such, we shouldn’t cede everything to the machines quite yet.
Things like quality control and holistic thinking are too important – and it’s what we do best. We should use AI as a vehicle to put those traits into action. Doing so will put us on a path to greater efficiency and better outcomes.
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