Developer warns solo builders: AI-generated code hides costly deployment pitfalls

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A developer behind an astrology Telegram bot has shared hard-learned lessons from deploying an AI-assisted pet project that never earned revenue before being shut down. Running two microservices on specialized hosting doubled monthly costs, a consequence often overlooked when AI tools casually suggest splitting functionality into separate services. The author found that beginner-friendly hosting platforms with click-through UIs create long-term lock-in and cannot be audited by AI, unlike text-based configuration files. Infrastructure as Code emerged as the recommended approach for solo developers, since config files stored alongside source code can be reviewed and debugged with AI assistance. The post is the first in a planned series examining the hidden ways AI-assisted development can quietly undermine small projects.

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