In the dynamic world of software development, innovation is the name of the game. New approaches and technologies continuously reshape the landscape, leading to improved processes and products. One such revolutionary concept making waves my mob is Mob Programming with AI. This unique blend of human and artificial intelligence opens up a new dimension in product and software development, transforming the way teams work and collaborate.

Mob Programming is where a group of developers collectively works on a single task or problem. It promotes teamwork, knowledge sharing, and a focus on the task at hand. With the introduction of ‘Robots’ as members of the mob, AI becomes a powerful ally in this collaborative development approach. These ‘Robots’ can include co-pilots, ChatGPT, Bing Chat, Bard, or other AI tools that offer assistance throughout the development process.

One of the most significant advantages of incorporating AI into the mob is the role it plays in Test-Driven Development (TDD) cycles. The AI helps identify what we affectionately call ZOMBIES - Zero, One, Many (or more complex inputs), Boundary behaviors, Interfaces, Exceptions, and Simple scenarios. It not only assists in generating red tests but also offers implementations to make those tests pass. Additionally, it occasionally provides guidance on refactorings, streamlining the development process.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations and potential pitfalls when working with AI in a mob programming setting. Some of these limitations include occasional “hallucinations,” where the AI might produce unexpected or incorrect results. It’s crucial to remember that AI, despite its advancements, is often about 80% correct and not infallible. The code generated may work but might not be as clean or efficient as expected.

Nevertheless, the results of incorporating AI into mob programming have been promising. The human members of the mob act as quality assurance, checking the AI’s work and making necessary adjustments. This synergy between human and AI members has transformed various aspects of software development, including mobile app code, data transformation code, CI/CD code, domain knowledge such as irrigation industry product categorization, and even enhancing stakeholder engagement by generating humor and jokes.

The fusion of human creativity and AI’s computational power is redefining the software development landscape. Mob Programming with AI opens up new possibilities for innovation, efficiency, and collaboration, offering a glimpse into the future of development teams where the best of both worlds work in harmony to create exceptional software products. With its challenges and all, this approach heralds a promising future for the software development industry, and its potential seems limitless.