🔗 How I use AI in 2026 (Coding, Writing, Learning, Assistant-ing)

One of the best ways to learn how to use AI effectively is by observing a power user and experimenting with different technologies to discern genuine functionality from hype. In this follow-up to How I use AI (2025), Shrivu Shankar shares his latest interactions with AI tools. He details his coding and research projects, utilizing Codex and Claude Code without custom features to facilitate workflows. Shankar emphasizes the importance of initial prompts, stating that 95% of the code is generated in a single run.

For writing, he recognizes the growing challenge of distinguishing AI-generated text from genuine effort, opting for a human touch instead. He also transforms research papers into interactive HTML files to enhance learning experiences. Notably, Shankar's approach to personal assistants has evolved, focusing on efficiency and minimal interference, with the goal of reducing notification fatigue while maintaining productivity. His commitment to cost-effective subscription choices showcases a practical approach to leveraging AI technologies.