Let's Talk - Why and How I Use Artificial Intelligence

Author(s): Louis Ouellet

So, if you haven't lived under a rock, you should know by now about the existence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and LLMs (Large Language Models). They have become integral parts of many creative and technical workflows, and they’re here to stay.

I use AI tools in various ways:

• Graphics: Although I’m familiar with tools like Photopea, I’m not a graphic designer. My skills are enough for basic image editing, but for more creative or unique graphics, I rely on models like DALL-E. You might have already noticed this in my article’s header image. Since I don’t have the funds to hire a professional designer, AI helps fill that gap.

• Article Refinement: I write about 95% of my articles and then ask models like o1 from OpenAI to review them, checking for clarity and readability. I’m not an editor, and writing has never been my strongest skill—especially when trying to get my point across without sounding too technical.

• Debugging Code: I’ve tried to develop entire scripts using an AI assistant, but the results often turn out disorganized. Instead, I use AI for brainstorming, outlining, and most importantly, debugging. It’s much more efficient to write the code myself and rely on an AI model to help troubleshoot errors or provide suggestions.

I’m far from a professional writer or editor. In high school and elementary school, I often struggled in these subjects. Likewise, with graphics, I did okay in art classes but never developed true artistic skills.

As a developer, a common saying is: “You spend about 5% of your time writing code and 95% debugging it.” By using AI, I can cut down on that debugging time, letting me focus on actually writing new code or refining features. This makes the development process faster and more enjoyable.

AI isn’t a magic bullet that solves everything flawlessly. However, it’s a powerful ally for those of us who need a little boost—whether in creating graphics, refining text, or debugging code. By knowing what AI tools excel at and understanding their limitations, we can make them an integral part of our workflows without losing our own creative or intellectual signature.

At the end of the day, AI is a supplement to human skill, not a replacement for it. For me, it’s about spending more time on the aspects of my work that I genuinely enjoy, and less time on the parts that slow me down. AI helps bridge my personal gaps, letting me share my ideas more effectively with all of you.