u/Kind-Court-4030

I wouldn't consider myself a proper software engineer, but I've been coding for around 10 years, with the things I am coding increasing in importance to the business at the same time that AI coding is increasing in prevalence.

Even with a well-designed spec, I find that the code that AI generates is just ... I don't know. It's perfect when zoomed in, but as soon as parts start interacting and you are not coding from scratch every time, the whole thing falls apart. I mean, it will compile and work, but what comes out of it is riddled with incomprehensible layers of abstraction and errors. When I go in and try to understand those errors or explain why my code made them to others, it takes me days. When I ask the agent that wrote the code to explain what the code does, it seems to struggle even more than me. Fixing things without thoroughly understanding what the AI wrote (in detail), tends to make things worse.

I have tried modifying my .md files to include good software hygiene, agent review loops, heuristics .... none of it seems to make much difference.

Does the entropy that agents inject into a codebase eventually solve itself, and maybe I need to release my grip on the reins for a longer period of time? Is it just highlighting my own incompetence as a software developer? Or am I doing something otherwise wrong? Maybe I am just projecting my own issues onto the technology.

I am thinking about switching to something like cursor tab so I have tighter control over what comes out.

I don't see things going back to a time w/o AI assisted coding.

What has worked for everyone here?

Please feel free to roast me too :)

My sister and I are planning a 10–14 day trekking trip in Mongolia, ideally with a mix of horseback riding, hiking, and time in more remote areas.

We are trying to keep costs down, especially because my sister is more budget-constrained. We have looked at organized tours, and some are within reach, but I had a better experience in Nepal when I arranged things locally after arriving. It gave me more flexibility, felt more authentic, cost less, and meant the money went directly to a local guide, which matters to both of us.

Would it be reasonable to wait until we arrive in Ulaanbaatar to find and book a local guide, or would that be risky in Mongolia?

My main concern is safety. I have a lot of trekking and horseback riding experience, but my sister does not. I also understand that Mongolia’s remote areas are serious and not places to take lightly. I worry about accidentally choosing a guide who is inexperienced, poorly equipped, or using horses that may not be safe for less experienced riders.

For those who have done this kind of trip in Mongolia: how would you balance cost, flexibility, supporting local guides, and safety? Are there good ways to vet local guides or horse treks once we arrive, or is it better to book ahead through a reputable operator?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

My sister and I are planning a 10–14 day trekking trip in Mongolia, ideally with a mix of horseback riding, hiking, and time in more remote areas.

We are trying to keep costs down, especially because my sister is more budget-constrained. We have looked at organized tours, and some are within reach, but I had a better experience in Nepal when I arranged things locally after arriving. It gave me more flexibility, felt more authentic, cost less, and meant the money went directly to a local guide, which matters to both of us.

Would it be reasonable to wait until we arrive in Ulaanbaatar to find and book a local guide, or would that be risky in Mongolia?

My main concern is safety. I have a lot of trekking and horseback riding experience, but my sister does not. I also understand that Mongolia’s remote areas are serious and not places to take lightly. I worry about accidentally choosing a guide who is inexperienced, poorly equipped, or using horses that may not be safe for less experienced riders.

For those who have done this kind of trip in Mongolia: how would you balance cost, flexibility, supporting local guides, and safety? Are there good ways to vet local guides or horse treks once we arrive, or is it better to book ahead through a reputable operator?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!