Developer Uses Predict-Then-Check Loop to Build AI-Assisted Python Scripts Responsibly

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A developer who cannot yet write Python from scratch has built a functional script that searches CSV files, finds users by name or login, and safely updates passwords — all with AI assistance. Rather than blindly running AI-generated code, the author follows a four-step loop: specify requirements, generate code, predict the output, then compare results to learn from any gaps. This method caught a real edge case where passwords beginning with 'Error' were incorrectly flagged as failed resets, prompting a more precise fix. The developer also learned why file backups matter when Python rewrites entire CSVs in memory, and used the diff tool to verify changes line by line before touching live data. The approach is slower than fully automated AI coding but builds genuine understanding and accountability for every line of code shipped.

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