Iterating With AI Feedback
You have working code with validation. Now let's make it better. Sharing your code with AI for review is like having a knowledgeable colleague look over your shoulder — they might spot improvements you missed.
Asking for a Code Review
Paste your code into an AI assistant with a prompt like:
Review this Python code for a number base converter.
Suggest improvements for readability, organization, or best practices.
[paste your code here]
The AI will analyze your code and offer suggestions. These might include better variable names, more efficient approaches, or organizational improvements.
Common Suggestions You Might Receive
AI reviewers often suggest:
Better naming — Instead of num, use decimal_value. Instead of hex_num, use hex_string. Clear names make code self-documenting.
Reducing repetition — If you have similar code in multiple places, the AI might suggest combining it into a function.
Adding docstrings — Brief descriptions explaining what each function does:
def decimal_to_binary(n):
"""Convert a decimal integer to a binary string."""
return bin(n)[2:]
Organizing code — Grouping related functions together, putting the main loop at the bottom, or separating concerns more clearly.
Evaluating Suggestions
Not every suggestion improves your code. Consider each one:
- Does this make the code clearer?
- Is this change worth the complexity?
- Do I understand why this is better?
If a suggestion confuses you, ask the AI to explain: "Why is that approach better than what I have?"
Sometimes AI suggests advanced patterns you don't need yet. It's okay to say "I'll keep it simple for now" and revisit later.
Implementing Changes
Pick one or two suggestions that make sense and implement them. Then test your code again — changes can introduce bugs.
After implementing, you might ask for another review: "I made these changes. Any other suggestions?"
This iterative process — code, review, improve, repeat — is how professional developers work.
Learning From the Process
Each review teaches you something. Maybe you learn about a Python feature you didn't know. Maybe you see a cleaner way to structure code. Over time, you'll internalize these patterns and write better code from the start.
The goal isn't perfect code — it's continuous improvement. Your converter is already functional. Each iteration makes it a little better.
What to Do With Disagreements
Sometimes you'll disagree with AI suggestions. That's fine. You're the developer making decisions. If you understand why the AI suggested something but prefer your approach, trust your judgment.
The AI is a tool, not an authority. Use it to expand your thinking, not replace it.