Reflections on AI-assisted Programming

186 · Yihui Xie · May 3, 2026, 10:55 p.m.
Summary
The author reflects on their experiences with AI-assisted programming, particularly using GitHub Copilot to create a Rust-based R package. They discuss the productivity gains and challenges of AI tools in software development, examining the personal insights gained from automation and the ethical implications of using AI-generated code. The author expresses a mix of excitement and concern about the future of software development and AI's role in it.