In this fascinating conversation with Mark Szymanski, we dove into our evolving perspectives on AI tools, particularly in coding and content creation. What makes this discussion particularly interesting is how both Mark and I have shifted from skepticism to seeing AI as a powerful assistant in our work. I shared my recent experience using Claude and Cursor to build a web application - something I never thought I'd be able to do as a non-developer. While I'm not writing code in the traditional sense, I'm learning to be an effective "prompt engineer" and project manager for these AI tools.
The conversation revealed how AI is changing not just how we code, but how we approach content creation and research. Mark brought valuable insights about using AI for YouTube content optimization, from generating chapter markers to brainstorming video titles. We both agreed that while these tools are powerful assistants, they're not magic - they require human direction and understanding to be truly effective.
What really struck me during our discussion was the broader implications for WordPress and web development. While these AI tools are making it easier for non-developers to build custom solutions, they also highlight the incredible value of established platforms like WordPress. There's a fascinating tension between the accessibility these new tools provide and the depth of functionality that traditional platforms offer.
Key Takeaways for WordPress Professionals
- AI coding tools like Cursor are making development more accessible to non-developers, but require strategic thinking and project management skills
- Claude 3.5 offers significantly better coding assistance compared to earlier versions, including detailed explanations and suggestions
- AI can significantly speed up content creation workflows, especially for tasks like YouTube chapter markers and content optimization
- The combination of multiple AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor) can provide better results than relying on a single solution
- Current limitations include token usage restrictions and the need to maintain context between sessions
- Professional developers can likely leverage these tools to dramatically increase their productivity
- The WordPress ecosystem remains valuable despite these new tools, but may need to evolve
Important URLs & Resources
- cursor.sh - AI-powered code editor
- mjs.bio - Mark's website and newsletter
- wpminute.com/subscribe - WP Minute newsletter (now on Kit)
- Whisper AI Transcription (Mac app for transcription)
- kit.com - Newsletter platform (formerly ConvertKit)