AI has changed how I work as a software developer, and I see that change as a net gain. In my day job and in side projects, AI tools help me move from idea to test code with far less setup cost, which means I can build and ship projects that I would have left on hold in the past due to time cost. I use these tools to draft code, inspect edge cases, and speed up refactor work, then I review each part with the same care I would use for any hand written code. Good code can come with AI and without AI, and in both cases the result depends on the developer. The core bar has not changed: code must stay clear, maintainable, and fast, and that still takes sound judgment, strong domain grasp, and hard choices on tradeoffs.