Artificial intelligence is radically transforming software development. AI-assisted coding tools are generating billions in investment, promising faster development cycles, and shifting engineering roles from code authors to code editors. But how does this impact software quality, security, and team dynamics? How can product teams embrace AI without falling into the hype?

In this episode, AI assisted Agile expert Mike Gehard shares his hands-on experiments with AI in software development. From his deep background at Pivotal Labs to his current work pushing the boundaries of AI-assisted coding, Mike reveals how AI tools can amplify quality practices, speed up prototyping, and even challenge the way we think about source code. He discusses the future of pair programming, the evolving role of test-driven development, and how engineers can better focus on delivering user value.

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Inside the episode...

• Mike’s background at Pivotal Labs and why he kept returning

• How AI is changing the way we think about source code as a liability

• Why test-driven development still matters in an AI-assisted world

• The future of pair programming with AI copilots

• The importance of designing better software in an AI-driven development process

• Using AI to prototype faster and build user-facing value sooner

• Lessons learned from real-world experiments with AI-driven development

• The risks of AI-assisted software, from hallucinations to security

Mentioned in this episode

• Mike’s Substack: https://aiassistedagiledevelopment.substack.com/

• Mike’s Github repo: https://github.com/mikegehard/ai-assisted-agile-development

• Pivotal Labs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pivotal_Labs

• 12-Factor Apps: https://12factor.net/ 

• GitHub Copilot: https://github.com/features/copilot

• Cloud Foundry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Foundry

• Lean Startup by Eric Ries: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898

• Refactoring by Martin Fowler and Kent Beck https://www.amazon.com/Refactoring-Improving-Existing-Addison-Wesley-Signature/dp/0134757599

• Dependabot: https://github.com/dependabot

• Tessl CEO Guy Podjarny’s talk: https://youtu.be/e1a3WuxTY-k 

• Aider AI Pair programming terminal: https://aider.chat/

• Gemini LLM: https://gemini.google.com/app

• Perplexity AI: https://www.perplexity.ai/

• DeepSeek: https://www.deepseek.com/

• Ian Cooper’s talk on TDD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN9lftH0cJc

• Mike’s newest Mountain Bike IBIS Ripmo V2S: https://www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/past-models/ripmo-v2s

• Mike’s recommended house slippers: https://us.giesswein.com/collections/mens-wool-slippers/products/wool-slippers-dannheim

• Sorba Chattanooga Mountain Biking Trails: https://www.sorbachattanooga.org/localtrails

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