Chapter 2 · Practice 2 of 3
Map where AI helps you and where it does not
From Use AI tools well
Why it matters
AI tools are not equally useful for every task. The Stack Overflow 2026 survey found that trust is highest where people already understand the work: 67% use AI with familiar code and 61% for debugging or refactoring.
Keep a simple personal map, updated as tools improve:
| Usually helps | Usually needs more care |
|---|---|
| Boilerplate, tests for clear behaviour, small refactors | Unfamiliar code where you cannot judge the output |
| Explaining unfamiliar code or errors | Security-sensitive changes |
| Drafting scripts and one-off tools | Production operations and incident response |
| Searching a large codebase | Decisions with high cost if wrong |
The right column is not "never use AI". It is "use AI with stronger verification and your own understanding in charge".
Do
- Write down where AI saved you time this month and where it cost you
Avoid
- Using AI the same way for every kind of task