How AI is Transforming Full Stack Development:

Opportunities and Challenges for Filipino

Engineers, According to a Senior Software
Engineer

Anjo Tadena is a Senior Software Engineer with 10 years of full-stack web

development experience. Have had the opportunity to be part of some exciting
projects using ASP.NET, Angular, ReactJS, and React
Native, and been able to explore the power of platforms like Azure and AWS on the
cloud. Over the years, I have explored different architectures: microservices,
serverless, and even monolithic systems. And recently, I was interested in how AI
tools change the way we write software. Scalable, efficient solutions and sharing
what you learn are things I am enthusiastic about.

1. Introduction to AI in Full Stack Development:

 Can you share your experience with AI in your development work? How has it
influenced your role as a full-stack developer?
o AI has transformed my role as a full-stack developer, thanks to my
company’s initiative to adopt tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and
AI-powered testing frameworks. These tools have streamlined coding,
debugging, and testing, while AI-driven features like predictive models
and personalized experiences have elevated our projects. This focus on
AI has pushed us to innovate and deliver smarter, user-centric
solutions faster, redefining my role to be more strategic and impactful.
 How would you define AI's current role in software development, particularly
in full-stack development?
o AI has become a game-changer in full-stack development, helping
developers work smarter and faster. It automates repetitive tasks like
code generation, debugging, and testing with tools like GitHub Copilot
and AI-powered testing frameworks, even providing mock data to
streamline workflows. On the creative side, AI enables smarter system
design with features like predictive analytics, chatbots, and
personalization through APIs like OpenAI or Google Cloud AI. It’s also a
huge help in optimizing performance, generating documentation, and
improving team collaboration. While navigating challenges like ethical
use and staying updated can be tough, AI empowers us to focus on
solving real problems and building innovative, user-focused
applications. Its role is only growing, making it an exciting time to be a
developer.
2. AI Tools in Development:
 What AI tools or platforms have you integrated into your development
workflow? How do they assist in tasks like coding, debugging, or deployment?
o I use several AI tools to make development faster and more efficient.
For coding, tools like GitHub Copilot, Codium, and Tabnine help
generate and autocomplete code, saving me time on repetitive tasks.
For testing, I rely on Testim to automate tests and even create mock
data, while Applitools ensures the UI looks perfect across all devices. In
deployment, AWS CodeGuru and Azure DevOps help optimize pipelines
and catch potential issues early. Lastly, tools like ChatGPT and Jasper
make documenting processes and collaborating with the team easier.
These tools don’t just save time—they let me focus on building better,
smarter solutions while making the whole development process more
enjoyable.
 Are there any AI-powered tools you’ve found particularly useful in automating
mundane tasks like code generation or testing?
o Absolutely! Tools like GitHub Copilot, Codium and Tabnine are
amazing for automating code generation, handling boilerplate, and
predicting what comes next. For testing, Testim and Applitools
simplify things by automating test creation, maintenance, and even
providing mock data. These tools save tons of time on repetitive tasks,
letting me focus on the bigger picture—solving problems and building
better apps.
3. AI and Development Efficiency:
 How has AI improved the efficiency of your development process? Can you
share an example of a project where AI significantly sped up or enhanced
your workflow?
o AI has made my development process much more efficient by
automating repetitive tasks and providing intelligent support. For
example, on a recent project, GitHub Copilot helped me quickly
generate boilerplate code and suggested solutions for complex logic,
cutting down hours of manual work. Similarly, Testim automated test
creation and maintenance, including generating mock data, which
significantly streamlined the QA process. These tools let me focus on
solving bigger challenges and delivering results faster.
 Do you think AI can eventually replace some aspects of development work, or
does it still require human intervention for complex tasks?
o AI can definitely handle repetitive and routine aspects of development,
like code generation, debugging, and testing, making workflows faster
and more efficient. However, it still relies on human intervention for
complex tasks that require creativity, critical thinking, and
 understanding nuanced project requirements. Rather than replacing
developers, AI acts as a powerful assistant, enhancing our capabilities
and freeing us to focus on solving the bigger, more strategic
challenges.
4. Opportunities AI Brings to Engineers:
 In your opinion, what are the most exciting opportunities AI offers for Filipino
engineers, particularly those in full-stack development?
o AI opens up exciting opportunities for Filipino engineers, especially in
full-stack development. It allows us to build smarter, more personalized
applications using tools for predictive analytics, chatbots, and AI-driven
automation. AI also levels the playing field, enabling us to compete
globally by working more efficiently and delivering innovative solutions
faster. For engineers, it’s a chance to upskill, explore new fields like
machine learning, and contribute to cutting-edge projects that make a
real impact. It’s an exciting time to harness AI and take our skills to the
next level!
 How can Filipino engineers leverage AI to build more innovative and scalable
applications?
o Filipino engineers can leverage AI to build more innovative and
scalable applications by integrating AI tools and APIs for smarter
features like predictive analytics, personalized user experiences, and
automation. AI-powered platforms like TensorFlow, OpenAI, and AWS
AI Services can help create advanced capabilities without starting
from scratch. Additionally, tools like GitHub Copilot and Testim
streamline coding and testing, freeing up time to focus on design and
scalability. By embracing AI, engineers can push boundaries, deliver
impactful solutions, and stay competitive in the global tech industry.
5. Challenges and Ethical Considerations:
 What are some of the challenges that come with integrating AI into the
development process? Are there any limitations that engineers should be
aware of?
o Integrating AI into development comes with its challenges. One big
hurdle is the learning curve—staying updated with rapidly evolving AI
tools and understanding how to apply them effectively takes time.
Data quality is another issue since AI relies heavily on accurate and
clean data for good results. There are also ethical concerns, like
ensuring privacy and avoiding bias in AI-driven features. Lastly, AI tools
can sometimes feel like a black box, making debugging and
understanding their behavior tricky. Engineers need to be mindful of
these limitations while balancing AI’s benefits with careful planning
and oversight.
6. AI’s Future Impact:
 How do you envision AI continuing to evolve in the software development
landscape? What trends or advancements in AI are you most excited about?
o AI is set to keep transforming software development, making it more
efficient and innovative. I see AI tools becoming even smarter, not just
assisting with code but understanding project requirements and
suggesting complete solutions. Trends like AI-driven low-code/no-
code platforms and automated system design are particularly
exciting, as they make development accessible to more people while
speeding up complex projects. I’m also thrilled about advancements in
natural language processing and AI-powered collaboration
tools, which could bridge gaps between developers, clients, and
teams. The future of AI in development feels limitless, and I’m excited
to see how it continues to redefine our workflows.
 What skills or knowledge should Filipino engineers focus on to stay ahead of
the curve in this evolving AI-driven development landscape?
o To stay ahead in the evolving AI-driven development landscape, Filipino
engineers should focus on mastering AI and machine learning
fundamentals, including how to integrate AI tools and APIs into
projects. Building a strong foundation in data analysis and
management is crucial, as AI relies heavily on quality data. Engineers
should also sharpen their problem-solving skills and stay updated
on the latest AI trends and tools like GitHub Copilot, TensorFlow, and
OpenAI. Soft skills, like adaptability and collaboration, are equally
important to thrive in a fast-changing tech environment. By combining
technical expertise with a willingness to learn, engineers can remain
competitive and innovative.
7. Advice for Aspiring Engineers:
 For young Filipino engineers interested in working with AI in full-stack
development, what advice would you give them on getting started?
o For young Filipino engineers eager to explore AI in full-stack
development, my advice is simple: start small but stay consistent.
Begin by learning the basics of AI and machine learning through free
resources and tutorials. Experiment with tools like GitHub Copilot,
TensorFlow, or OpenAI APIs to see how AI can enhance your projects.
Focus on understanding how data works, as it’s the backbone of AI.
Work on small projects to apply what you learn, and don’t be afraid to
make mistakes—they’re part of the process. Most importantly, stay
curious, keep learning, and build a network of peers to share insights
and grow together.
 Do you believe AI is something engineers should specialize in, or is it more
about integrating AI tools into existing skill sets?
 o I believe it depends on the engineer’s goals. For most, integrating AI
tools into existing skill sets is enough to stay competitive and build
smarter solutions. Understanding how to use tools like GitHub Copilot,
OpenAI APIs, or TensorFlow can significantly enhance productivity and
innovation. However, if you’re passionate about AI, specializing in
areas like machine learning or data science can open up exciting
opportunities in more advanced roles. Either way, having a strong
foundation in AI concepts is essential, whether you integrate it into
your work or make it your focus.
8. Final Thoughts:
 Will AI replace developer? Why?
o AI won't replace developers, but it will change how we work. AI excels
at handling repetitive tasks like code generation, debugging, and
testing, making workflows faster and more efficient. However, it still
lacks creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to understand complex
project requirements—all qualities that developers bring to the table.
Instead of replacing us, AI acts as a powerful assistant, freeing us to
focus on solving big problems and building innovative solutions.
Developers who embrace AI as their advantage will only become more
valuable in the future, as they'll leverage these tools to enhance their
productivity, stay competitive, and create solutions that AI alone
cannot achieve. By using AI to augment our capabilities, we can work
smarter and unlock new levels of innovation.
 Looking ahead, what role do you think AI will play in the future of full-stack
development, and how can Filipino engineers lead in this space?
o AI will play a crucial role in the future of full-stack development by
automating repetitive tasks, enabling smarter features like predictive
analytics and personalization, and streamlining workflows from coding
to deployment. Filipino engineers can lead in this space by embracing
AI tools, continuously learning new technologies, and combining their
strong problem-solving skills with creativity. By staying adaptable and
leveraging AI to build innovative, scalable solutions, Filipino engineers
can become key players in shaping the future of full-stack
development globally.