The Role of Developers in the AI Era: No Room for "I Don’t Know"

In the fast-evolving world of technology, the role of a developer has become more critical than ever. The tools and resources available today, particularly with the advent of AI, have significantly lowered the barriers to understanding even the most complex problems. Yet, I often encounter two frustrating responses:

• "I didn’t write this code,"
• "I don’t understand the business logic."

This mindset not only limits individual growth but also hinders the progress of teams and organizations. Let me share my perspective on why this attitude is unacceptable in today’s world and how we can transform it.

Developers as Problem Solvers

At its core, being a developer is not just about writing code; it’s about solving problems. To solve problems effectively:

• Understanding Business Logic is critical. Code without context is just syntax. The real value lies in connecting code to business objectives.
• Learning from Existing Code is a skill every developer must cultivate. Saying, "I didn’t write this," isn’t an excuse—it’s an opportunity to dig deeper, understand, and improve.

Being a developer is about taking ownership, whether you wrote the code or inherited it.

AI: The Great Equalizer

We live in an era where even the most daunting technical challenges can be simplified with AI. Tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and countless others can:

• Simplify complex concepts.
• Provide immediate insights into code behavior.
• Generate starting points for business logic implementation.

In short, AI can make anyone a capable contributor—if they are willing to learn and adapt. Saying, "I don’t know,"without making an effort to find out is no longer a valid excuse.

Collaboration vs. Gatekeeping

Unfortunately, in some teams, there are individuals who adopt a gatekeeping mindset. They respond to questions in ways that discourage collaboration:

• "I won’t spoon-feed you; figure it out yourself," for simpler queries.
• Or, "This is too complex; you handle it because I’m busy with other work," for more challenging ones.

This behavior can create unnecessary barriers, making it harder for teams to function effectively. While self-reliance is important, so is knowledge sharing and collaboration.

How to Avoid Falling into This Trap

To deal with such behaviors and build a productive work environment, focus on:

1. Taking Ownership: Make an effort to solve problems yourself, but don’t hesitate to seek guidance when truly stuck.
2. Leveraging Resources: Use AI tools, documentation, and peer discussions to bypass gatekeeping attitudes.
3. Building a Supportive Culture: Advocate for open communication and mutual respect within your team. Helping others doesn’t diminish your value—it enhances it.

Why Excuses Don’t Work Anymore

When a developer says, "I don’t know," in today’s environment, what they are really saying is, "I haven’t tried hard enough." With the wealth of resources at our disposal, there’s no justification for not understanding the basics of what you’re working on.

Effort and curiosity are key:

• Documentation and Tools: From official guides to forums like Stack Overflow.
• AI Assistants: To navigate unknown territories.
• Team Collaboration: To leverage collective knowledge.

The combination of these resources ensures that any developer can rise to the challenge, regardless of complexity.

Closing Thoughts

As a developer, your value lies in your ability to solve problems, adapt to new challenges, and connect technical solutions with business goals. Excuses like, "I don’t know," or, "I didn’t write this code," have no place in a field where AI and collaboration make knowledge accessible to all.

Let’s embrace the tools and opportunities we have, commit to continuous learning, and take ownership of the work we do. In the AI era, being a passive developer is not an option—be proactive, curious, and ready to grow.

What are your thoughts on this? How do you approach understanding unfamiliar code or business logic? Let’s start a conversation. ??