The freeCodeCamp Podcast

#168 How to use AI as an accelerator, not a crutch, with freelance engineer Ankur Tyagi

31 snips
Aug 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion with Ankur Tyagi, a seasoned software engineer and open-source contributor, listeners delve into the transformative role of AI in development. Ankur emphasizes that leveraging AI should be viewed as a skill rather than a crutch, alleviating fears of job loss in the tech field. He shares insights on running a consultancy and how writing tutorials can enhance engineering skills. The conversation also highlights the importance of personal branding and storytelling in technical writing, amid the rise of AI-generated content.
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ADVICE

Proactively Pitch Your Developer Value

  • Approach people proactively and share useful work when you want remote contracts.
  • Politely ask founders if you can help with docs or technical writing to open opportunities.
ANECDOTE

Starting With Personal Blogs Then FreeCodeCamp

  • Ankur started by publishing on Hashnode, his personal site, and then pitching FreeCodeCamp.
  • His first accepted FreeCodeCamp article was about technical writing and launched his writing career.
ADVICE

Write Bad Drafts Fast, Then Edit Ruthlessly

  • Dump raw thoughts and overproduce early draft words before editing down into a polished article.
  • Read and emulate veteran writers, then iterate to find your own style.
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