A Full-Stack Developer Questions the Ethics of Using AI for Coding

Summary

A full-stack developer describes reconsidering the role of AI in software development after noticing that frequent use had made them less likely to think through problems independently. They decided to stop using AI for a few months to see what would happen. However, they still see practical value in using tools such as Claude to write pipeline tests and implement features they might otherwise postpone. This creates an ethical tension because the developer is avoiding AI in other areas while considering continued use for coding. The post asks the Hacker News community whether that distinction is reasonable, and whether using AI for software work can be separated from the broader concerns that led to the author’s personal boycott.