AI Pair Programming Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

Rule 1: Understand Before Accepting

Never merge code you don't understand. The AI is your assistant, not your replacement.

Rule 2: The 80/20 Split

Let AI handle 80% of boilerplate. Spend your energy on the 20% that matters: architecture, edge cases, security.

Rule 3: Maintain Your Skills

Code without AI for 2-3 hours weekly. Solve LeetCode problems manually. You need a foundation to review AI code.

Rule 4: Document the Why

AI writes code. You write why it exists. "// Handles race condition when user clicks twice" > no comment.

Rule 5: Review Like a Senior

Treat AI code like junior developer code:

• Check for edge cases
• Verify error handling
• Look for security holes
• Question architectural decisions

Rule 6: Take Breaks

AI makes you faster. That doesn't mean code 12 hours. Ship faster, then log off.

Rule 7: Credit Appropriately

In code reviews: "Generated initial implementation with Cursor, then modified X, Y, Z." Transparency builds trust.