You do not need to become a developer to ask for a formula or a 40-line script. You do need to read it. “Build me a SaaS” is how people get a folder of files they cannot defend.
Aside. The robot does not get your badge. Your manager still reads the email with your name on it.
Jobs that fit
- A spreadsheet formula you will test on five rows
- A script that reads a copy of a CSV and writes a new file
- “Explain this error message”
Jobs that do not
- Production access
- Anything with passwords in the prompt
- A public site with a testimonials section the model invented
- “Extract every email from this export” if you should not have the export
Packet
Write a short script that [job].
Input: a local file I will name.
Do not use the network unless I said so.
Add comments. Print what it will do before it writes.
I will run this on a copy.
Then ask: “What could this delete or send?” If you cannot answer, do not run it.
Try this today
Ask for an Excel/Sheets formula for a real column. Check five rows by hand. That is the whole sport.
You are done when
You have one formula or script you could explain to a skeptical coworker.