Software engineering basics still matter in AI

Programming gives the application structure

Variables hold values, data types describe their shape, conditions choose paths and functions package reusable behaviour. These ideas still matter when a model produces code or proposes actions. An order number is an identifier, not necessarily a number for arithmetic. A missing date is not the same as today. Clear contracts prevent plausible text from silently becoming invalid business data.

APIs connect intention to action

An application programming interface defines how one system asks another for information or an operation. Authentication identifies the caller; authorisation determines what that caller may do. Validate required fields and returned errors. If a request times out, do not assume the operation failed: a retry may duplicate work unless the design accounts for repeated requests.

Engineering goes beyond the code

Use version control to track changes, review them before release and retain a recovery path. Test normal cases, invalid inputs and boundary conditions. For AI behaviour, add evaluations that compare responses with evidence and expected actions. Microsoft’s AI-assisted development learning path covers code analysis, documentation, testing and refactoring; these remain engineering activities requiring judgement.

Apply the basics to Business Central

Our existing AL article covers reviewing an AI-assisted extension change. This foundation comes before that: define the business rule, understand the records involved and agree what success means. A fictional team adding an order-checking assistant should be able to explain its inputs and failure behaviour without referring to the prompt. Training should build that understanding alongside tool fluency.

Microsoft sources and further reading

• Microsoft Learn: AI-assisted development learning path