With tools like Cursor/Codeium/etc automating code, how do developers stay relevant in this AI era?

This is something I ve been thinking about a lot lately. As a developer, it's both exciting and a bit overwhelming to see how fast tools like Cursor/Codeium/Replit/Bolt/etc are evolving.

Personally, I believe the key to staying relevant isn't just about writing raw code anymore it's about shifting towards problem-solving, system design, and understanding how to effectively communicate with these tools.

Here s what I ve been focusing on:

  • Prompt engineering: Learning how to instruct AI tools to get the output I want.

  • Reading and reviewing AI-generated code: To ensure I still understand the logic, patterns, and performance implications.

  • Learning product thinking: The better I understand the "why" behind features, the more valuable I am beyond just code.

  • Keeping up with AI updates: Not just tools, but the broader ecosystem (LLMs, APIs, automation, etc.)