Welcome to AI Augmented Software Development

A blog about using AI and LLMs to enhance software development processes, automation, and productivity.
Satellite manufacturing and orbital deployment concept showing scale challenges

1M Satellites: Can It Be Done? - Part 2

šŸ“Œ This is Part 2 of a 2-part series: ← Part 1: Economic Analysis Part 2 (this post): Manufacturing, regulatory, and physical constraints Last Updated: February 5, 2026 āš ļø Accuracy Disclaimer: This analysis synthesizes data from regulatory filings, manufacturing precedents, and aerospace industry reports. While we’ve made every effort to verify production rates, regulatory approvals, and physical constraints, the space manufacturing landscape evolves rapidly. Launch capacity numbers reflect current FAA approvals as of February 2026. Timeline projections are based on historical precedents from Tesla, Apollo, and Starlink programs. Readers are encouraged to verify critical details independently. ...

February 5, 2026 Ā· 10 min Ā· 2107 words Ā· AI Augmented Software Development
Orbital data center concept comparing Earth vs Space AI infrastructure economics

Space AI Economics - Part 1

šŸ“Œ This is Part 1 of a 2-part series: Part 1 (this post): Economic viability and cost analysis Part 2: Manufacturing Reality Check → Last Updated: February 5, 2026 āš ļø Accuracy Disclaimer: This analysis synthesizes data from 60+ sources including SpaceX filings, FAA approvals, academic research, and industry reports. While we’ve made every effort to verify claims and cite primary sources, the rapidly evolving space industry means some figures may become outdated. Launch capacity approvals, cost projections, and timeline estimates should be treated as point-in-time assessments. When specific claims are unverified or based on company projections, we note this explicitly. Readers are encouraged to verify critical details independently. ...

February 5, 2026 Ā· 22 min Ā· 4589 words Ā· AI Augmented Software Development
Diverse human perspectives from all fields (arts, sciences, law, culture) flowing as colorful streams of knowledge into a central AI brain, illustrating AI's dependency on human diversity for validation

Why AI Needs Human Validation—And Eventually, Artificial DNA

TL;DR: When humans validate AI output, diverse perspectives catch diverse errors. When AIs validate each other, they converge—because similar training produces similar weights, which produces similar reasoning. Temperature adds surface-level noise, not new capabilities. Genuine novelty requires evolutionary mutation: artificial DNA. Expert vs. Researcher: Two Modes of Validation I recently published a two-part series on space-based AI infrastructure. I’m not an aerospace engineer—I’m a software developer. That distinction defines how I validate AI output. ...

February 5, 2026 Ā· 10 min Ā· 1977 words Ā· AI Augmented Software Development
Three-layer architecture diagram showing Orchestration, AI Tool, and Validation layers for deterministic AI workflows

Why AI Shouldn't Orchestrate Workflows

I’ve learned through experience that there’s a fundamental truth about AI-assisted development: AI enforcement is not assured. You can write the most detailed skill file. You can craft the perfect system prompt. You can set up MCP servers with every tool imaginable. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the AI decides whether to follow any of it. That’s not enforcement. That’s hope. TL;DR: LLMs are probabilistic and can’t guarantee workflow compliance. Skills and MCP tools extend capabilities but don’t enforce behavior. Claude Code Hooks solve this by providing deterministic control points—SessionStart, PreToolUse, and PostToolUse—that ensure critical actions always happen. As AI-generated code scales, you need automated validation systems that codify architectural rules, business constraints, and design patterns. Workflow orchestration must live outside the AI. ...

February 3, 2026 Ā· 13 min Ā· 2575 words Ā· Claude (with guidance from Eric Gulatee)
Brain vs AI comparison showing biological brain and artificial neural network with key differences

How Brains and AI Work

Can machines think like humans? Explore the fascinating comparison between biological brains (20 watts, continuous learning) and artificial neural networks (megawatts to train, frozen after training). Understand thinking, creativity, and consciousness.

January 30, 2026 Ā· 9 min Ā· 1762 words Ā· Eric Gulatee

Build LLM Guardrails, Not Better Prompts

Instructions and tools tell LLMs what to do, but guardrails ensure they do it. Discover how to build validation feedback loops that make LLM outputs reliable through automated guardrails—with a 10-minute quick start guide.

January 27, 2026 Ā· 9 min Ā· 1876 words Ā· Eric Gulatee

Building an MCP Server in 2 Hours

Built a fully functional Codecov MCP server in 2 hours using Claude Code to extend Claude Code itself. From zero to working server with authentication, API integration, and real-world lessons learned.

December 20, 2025 Ā· 8 min Ā· 1675 words Ā· Eric Gulatee

GitHub Actions Pricing Update Dec 2025

Breaking: GitHub postponed self-hosted runner pricing changes scheduled for March 2026 after developer community feedback. Complete analysis of the December 2025 pricing update and what’s next.

December 16, 2025 Ā· 11 min Ā· 2273 words Ā· Eric Gulatee