5 Real-World Tasks You Can Automate with AI Coding Tools Today

6/30/20252 min read

Introduction

AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Windsurf aren’t just fancy auto-completes—they’re productivity machines waiting to be tapped.

But if you’re still wondering "Where do I actually use these tools in my real workflow?"—you’re not alone. That’s exactly what this post will answer.

I’ve been using these tools daily in my role as a Principal Software Engineer. Below are 5 real, repeatable, time-saving tasks you can start automating—today.

1. Writing Boilerplate Code

Let’s be honest: writing boilerplate CRUD functions, class definitions, and repetitive setups adds zero creative value. AI tools can:

Generate entire controller/service layers
Write model-to-DTO mappers
Setup project scaffolding

Example: In a .NET project, I used Windsurf to generate the entire repository pattern for a new entity in under 30 seconds—no typos, no fatigue.

2. Generating Unit Tests

If you hate writing test cases, AI will be your new best friend. Tools like Copilot can:

Create basic unit tests using your method signature
Suggest edge cases you may have missed
Help you build coverage faster

Pro Tip: Use AI-generated tests as a starting point—then add assert conditions or mocks specific to your business logic.

3. Converting Legacy Code

Got an old codebase in .NET Framework, Java 8, or Python 2?

AI tools can help:

Translate older syntax to modern equivalents
Suggest updated libraries or dependencies
Refactor blocks of legacy code with context

Real Use: I recently converted a VB.NET reporting utility into C# using Copilot+Refactor—it wasn’t perfect, but it cut manual time by 60%.

4. Explaining Unfamiliar Code

When you inherit a messy repo or join a new project, understanding existing code takes time.

AI can:

Read a function and explain what it does in plain English
Break down deeply nested logic
Help onboard new devs to a project faster

This is especially useful when reviewing pull requests or prepping for production support.

5. Generating SQL Queries

Struggling to remember JOIN syntax or write complex queries from scratch?

Just describe your goal in natural language:

“Get all active users with orders in the past 30 days and total amount > $100.”

Tools like Windsurf and Copilot can output the SQL you need—faster than flipping through StackOverflow.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to use AI for everything. But if you’re still doing these tasks manually, every day, you’re leaving time and mental energy on the table.

The future of software development isn’t about writing every line from scratch—it’s about knowing what to automate, and when.