Logbook

Chronological posts on individual work steps and insights from using AI.

How it began

I began using AI in software development in early 2025. At first, I mainly used it for my own C++ tools. Claude CLI particularly fascinated me: it works directly in a terminal window, just like our DataFlex, and its way of analysing problems and solving them step by step is remarkably similar to how we old nerds work.

Since around March 2026, both model families have also understood our old DataFlex. It is fascinating how well they manage it. Since June 2026, I have been using them in production work to develop individual DataFlex programs in console mode. We currently use OpenAI GPT-6 Astra and Claude Opus 5 or Fable 5.1.

On 9 September 2026, I checked in all the current source code and started the project. For now, the process is only semi-automatic: I receive customers’ emails and forward them to the agents. I test the finished programs myself and then send them back. From now on, the agents handle the development work in consultation with me. I am trying to write, or have them write, a logbook entry every day or at least once a week.