Part 3 of 3: Fundamentals Still Rule in the AI Era

AI looks shiny and new at first glance, but looking deeper, the fundamentals still rule. That’s why experienced programmers have the real edge in AI. Here’s what I mean…

▪ Smart data handling → garbage in, garbage out. Structured, efficient data is still the foundation of every AI system.

 ▪ Clean code structure → AI agents grow messy fast. Without order, they fall apart.

 ▪ Performance awareness → every API call costs money. Efficient design saves time and budget.

Here’s the twist: the more the world leans on AI, the more these fundamentals matter.

Seasoned programmers already know this playbook. They’ve been practicing it for decades. And now, those fundamentals are what make or break AI projects.

The basics aren’t outdated—they’re the reason AI succeeds.

👉 Which single fundamental do you think younger programmers should master before diving into AI?

That’s a wrap for this 3-part series on why experience is the true edge in the AI era. If you missed Parts 1 and 2, check my recent posts.

(Gemini, September 1, 2025)