Etiquettes for AI Assisted Code Generation

Some opinionated etiquettes for AI-assisted code generation, inspired by the Boy Scout Rule. Covers writing human-readable code in hybrid codebases, reviewing AI-generated code and PR descriptions, acknowledging AI in commit messages, maintaining project steering rules, avoiding test manipulation, structuring code review feedback across linters, AI agents, and humans, and evaluating AI-introduced dependencies. Based on hands-on experimentation with agentic engineering workflows, not research data.
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Spec Driven Development with Kiro

Covers the limitations of vibe coding with Claude Code for production-grade work — context window constraints, ad-hoc design, and prompt-as-context friction — and how spec driven development with Kiro addresses them. Walks through Kiro’s three-document workflow (requirements, design, tasks) using a real Cloudflare R2 migration as a worked example. Discusses repository structure, where Kiro excels, and common pitfalls to avoid.
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The Non-Tech Tasks of a Principal/Staff Engineer

Ten categories of non-technical work that Staff and Principal Engineers frequently take on, drawn from personal experience and peer observations. Covers interviewing and promotion panels, networking patterns, onboarding, budget involvement, knowledge sharing, community building, mental health advocacy, and establishing credibility — aimed at raising awareness rather than prescribing a complete framework.
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Summer 2021: The Top 6 Work Related Books I Read This Year

Six work-related book recommendations from the first half of 2021, chosen from a Senior Individual Contributor’s reading list. Covers product management strategy, Amazon’s internal operating principles, team topology frameworks, large-scale mobile engineering, the Staff Engineer archetypes from Will Larson’s book, and emotional intelligence as a foundation for career and leadership.
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