Talking about something abstract is easy and fun — you can sound smart, and no one can really verify your claims because, well, it’s abstract. In a world where every other person is now an “AI visionary,” I want to speak about AI in a максимально concrete way, using my own work at GitLab as the example. It’s a perfect case. While many people describe a world of pink ponies — greenfield projects built from scratch — I want to share the hardcore brownfield reality: what actually happens when you introduce AI into a project that has existed for years. Here’s what we’ll cover: - How AI and JavaScript get along (or, more accurately, don’t) - My setup and “secret sauce” for agentic development - What I’ve achieved together with Opus (my favorite model) - How much JavaScript code I still write by hand - What prevents us from reaching the mythical 10x productivity — and what I’m doing about it My goal is simple: after this case study, everyone should walk away with a clear understanding of what they can implement in their own project to make life better — starting now.

Most people use artificial intelligence primarily as a productivity tool — to complete tasks faster and more efficiently. But can AI also help us grow faster and become better versions of ourselves? On the one hand, AI as a plan designer helps define the steps needed to achieve personal goals. AI as a reflective partner can analyze your voice journal — structuring chaotic thoughts, identifying patterns, and uncovering unexpected insights — and enable deeper reflection on articles, books, and videos. AI as a sparring partner creates a safe space to practice skills in simulations, from job interviews and difficult conversations to improving your English. AI as a tutor allows you to acquire new knowledge and skills at your own pace. On the other hand, there is a risk of the illusion of competence — how can you be sure you have truly mastered knowledge and skills with the help of AI if you are not an expert in the field? Moreover, some studies point to cognitive atrophy resulting from outsourcing thinking and relying on AI as a crutch for reasoning. So, is using AI about accelerated growth — or gradual degradation? During the talk, the speaker will present the results of a practical experiment with real cases and explore whether AI can help us become better versions of ourselves.