The “throw-it-in-the-trash” rule of the day: read the code before letting your AI write it

A developer found that an AI had created a new component that duplicated one already in the repository.

After comparing the two, they realized the existing file already met the requirement, making the new code unnecessary.

The article recommends a “Phase 0” habit: search and read nearby code before asking AI to build something new.

This simple step can prevent duplicate implementations, reduce rework, and make AI-assisted coding safer in mature codebases.