I dont use ai code generation tools, I just use claude as a search engine. It hasn't changed the output rate of my code but I believe that its improved the quality of it by exposing me to patterns and features that I otherwise may not have. I used to take a very object oriented approach to code, but when I would ask claude to look at my code and critique it, it would often lead me into more functional patterns, with result type returns and eliminating global state. Ive completely stopped using exceptions and functional programming has GREATLY increased the confidence I have in my code to the point where I write 2000 lines at a time and get a successful first test nearly every time.
The credit lies with a more functional style of C++ and typescript (the languages i use for hobbies and work, respectively), but claude has sort of taken me out of the bubble I was brought up in and introduced new ideas to me.
However, I've also noticed that LLM products also tend to reinforce your biases. If you dont ask it to critique you or push back, it often tells you what a great job you did and how incredible your code is. You see this with people who have gotten into a kind of psychotic feedback loop with ChatGPT and who now believe they can escape the matrix.
I think LLMs are powerful, but only for a handful of use cases. I think the majority of what theyre marketed for right now is techno-solutionism and theres an impending collapse in VC funding for companies that are plugging in chatgpt APIs for everything from insurance claims to medical advice