DevX Days | Daniel Glassford | From Model T to rocket launch: How to 10X Your AI Dev Skills in 2025

AI tools like Cursor can provide 2-10x productivity gains when used properly by reducing keystrokes by >90% and enabling coding at “speed of thought”

Two key modes for AI development:

• Research mode: Exploring ideas/solutions and finding information
• Code generation mode: Implementing specific solutions with clear requirements

Essential features of Cursor:

• Code base indexing with vector DB for fast searching
• Symbol referencing for documentation and resources
• Rules for AI to enforce coding standards
• Voice input capabilities
• Command K menu for quick inline actions
• Composer for multi-file changes

Best practices:

• Remain in control and avoid using AI as a crutch
• Be specific in prompts for better results
• Verify and check AI outputs
• Switch between research/code gen modes as needed

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Being too vague in prompts
• Using AI to avoid learning fundamentals
• Letting AI make decisions instead of guiding it
• Trying to do too many things in one prompt

Multiple AI models can be leveraged for different strengths:

• Fast responses vs detailed code generation
• Local processing vs cloud-based solutions
• Different context window sizes

Enhances developer experience through:

• Automatic code suggestions
• Documentation search
• Context-aware completions
• Consistent coding standards
• Reduced cognitive load