{
  "id": 8552883,
  "title": "AI Didn’t Build My Backend for Me. I Used It as My Copilot.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/ai-didnt-build-my-backend-for-me-i-used-it-as-my-copilot",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-19T22:17:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/suad_macaulay_acb3b90def7/ai-didnt-build-my-backend-for-me-i-used-it-as-my-copilot-2hf0"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "CourierIQ, a project that required a combination of frontend and backend development, presented an opportunity for me to expand my skill set beyond what I was already comfortable with. Initially facing challenges with the backend, I decided to leverage AI as a \"copilot\" to guide me through the learning process. Rather than relying on AI to build the backend for me, I used it as a mentor, asking it to explain the steps and reasoning behind each action I took, rather than simply providing the code. By adopting this approach, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the backend structure and components, such as folders, routes, controllers, services, and models. This hands-on learning method allowed me to avoid the pitfalls of simply copying code from tutorials, as I could still make mistakes and learn from them. One of the most valuable moments of this experience was when I started setting up the Express application and initialized the database. These seemingly mundane tasks helped me grasp the purpose behind each code segment, transforming the backend from an overwhelming mass of lines into an understandable, navigable structure. However, challenges still arose, such as understanding the complex concept of JSON Web Tokens (JWT). Instead of blindly implementing JWT code, I asked AI to explain the role and significance of tokens, secrets, user IDs, and verification. This process allowed me to comprehend the purpose and flow of JWT in the context of user authentication and authorization. In summary, I used AI as a \"senior developer\" during the backend development of CourierIQ, providing guidance and explanations rather than simply generating code. This approach enabled me to learn effectively, avoid relying on tutorials, and ultimately build a backend that made sense to me.",
  "summary": "When we were given our project, CourierIQ, I knew I wanted to use it as an opportunity to learn something outside what I was already comfortable with. I was already more familiar with frontend development, so when backend development came into the picture, I was actually excited. I thought, okay, this is going to be interesting. I don't want to be someone who only knows one side of development.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}