Ask HN: Teams using AI – how do you prevent it from breaking your codebase?
Jan 14, 2025 - news.ycombinator.com
The article discusses the challenges faced by engineering teams using AI coding assistants like Copilot, Cursor, and Windsurf. It highlights a pattern where AI tools often suggest code that disrupts existing codebases, especially as they become more complex. Common issues include AI-generated code that ignores established patterns, recreates existing components, modifies core architecture without understanding the implications, and forgets critical context from previous interactions. These challenges necessitate constant oversight and correction from developers.
The author seeks insights from teams with mature codebases on how they manage these issues. Key questions include how frequently AI attempts to make breaking changes, the amount of time spent reviewing and correcting AI suggestions, and the workflows developed to keep AI tools aligned with the team's objectives. The focus is on understanding how teams can effectively integrate AI tools without compromising the integrity of their codebase.
Key takeaways:
AI coding assistants can disrupt complex codebases by ignoring existing patterns and recreating components.
AI tools may modify core architecture without understanding the implications, requiring constant oversight.
Developers spend significant time reviewing and correcting AI suggestions to prevent breaking changes.
Teams need to develop workflows to keep AI tools aligned with their tech stack and project context.
