Finish side projects with AI, one verified step at a time
A Cursor user described a change–test–commit loop. The useful idea is a sequence of small, reversible steps.
The takeaway
Use AI to accelerate feedback, not just code generation.
The context
furyofantares described testing each change before committing it. Another participant warned about generated code that its owner does not understand. Together, these perspectives favor small, inspectable changes with a human responsible for judgment.
Steps worth trying
Editorial suggestions, not promises made by the original author.
- 01
Define an observable acceptance criterion before asking for implementation.
- 02
Review the diff and run tests relevant to the behavior.
- 03
Commit after a verified step and revert early when the work goes off track.
Where this applies — and where it may not
This is a historical workflow experience, not a guarantee about current AI tools. Passing tests does not prove the absence of defects.
From the discussion
“Makes it very easy to commit constantly.”
@furyofantares · View source
Using LLMs and Cursor to finish side projects
@thunderbong · 168 points · 60 comments
Read the Hacker News threadSource: OpenIndex Hacker News dataset (ODC-By). Original content belongs to its authors. Summaries, translations, and suggested steps are AI-assisted editorial work. Read the sources; individual outcomes are not guarantees.