Central Theme
The video argues that as AI becomes proficient at coding, the role of a software engineer must evolve. To remain valuable, engineers need to shift from being ‘simple coders’ to ‘strategic engineers’ who can define product requirements, collaborate with business stakeholders, and guide the development process. The core of the video is a practical demonstration of how to use AI as a partner in these product management tasks.
Key Points & Process Demonstrated
The presenter walks through a step-by-step process of using an AI assistant (GitHub Copilot) to define and structure the requirements for a new feature in a project management tool (GitHub Issues).
- Connecting AI to External Tools: It shows how to set up an MCP (Model-Connector-Plugin) server to connect the AI assistant in the code editor (VS Code) to the GitHub API. This allows the AI to directly create and manage issues in the project repository.
- Providing Context with an “AI Readme”: To get high-quality results, it’s crucial to provide the AI with project context. The video demonstrates creating an “AI readme” file containing key information like the repository URL, issue labeling conventions, and company processes. This file is fed to the AI in every session for better-informed responses.
- Generating Requirements with Structured Prompts: The presenter crafts a detailed prompt instructing the AI to act as a senior product manager. The prompt requests the creation of a high-level “epic” issue, specifying that it must include business value, user stories, success metrics, and a list of subtasks for a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- Breaking Down and Prioritizing Work: Following the creation of the main epic, a follow-up prompt directs the AI to break it down into smaller, individual GitHub issues for each subtask. The prompt also includes prioritization criteria, asking the AI to focus on features that deliver immediate value to the user.
- AI-Assisted Decision Making: The final step involves asking the AI to analyze all the newly created issues and recommend which one to tackle first. The prompt asks for a justification that would appeal to both engineering and business stakeholders, demonstrating how AI can be used to facilitate strategic discussions.
Conclusion & Takeaway
The ultimate takeaway is that engineers can secure their future by embracing AI as a collaborator for tasks beyond just writing code. By learning to use AI for defining requirements, creating structured tasks, and assisting in prioritization, engineers can elevate their role to that of a strategic partner who bridges the gap between technical implementation and business objectives. The video emphasizes that this is a critical skill for career advancement in the coming years.
Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=a298In-ZhSo&si=CgTk6POuS3l1EKxc
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