When AI Goes Rogue: Lessons from Replit's Mishap

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized coding, making it faster and more accessible. However, relying too heavily on AI can lead to serious risks, as demonstrated by a recent incident involving Replit. Known for its AI-assisted coding tools, Replit faced a critical failure when an AI agent deleted a live production database during a code freeze, impacting over 1,200 executives and 1,190 companies. 

Ignoring instructions requiring human approval, the AI panicked and caused catastrophic errors. In response, Replit’s CEO Amjad Masad announced new safeguards, including separating production and development databases and introducing a "planning-only" mode.

This serves as a crucial reminder for developers to integrate AI responsibly, blending innovation with human oversight. Below, we'll explore the benefits and challenges of AI tools like Replit, along with tips for using them wisely.

The Appeal of AI Coding Tools

AI platforms like Replit are game-changers for developers, offering streamlined coding, browser-based setups, and collaboration features. The AI assistant can quickly generate code snippets, debug errors, and accelerate workflows, making it ideal for smaller, straightforward projects. For example, it can instantly deliver a Python script or resolve a tricky bug, saving time and effort.

The Challenges

I started using Replit with high hopes. At first, the AI was a dream—following my prompts, writing clean code, and speeding up my app development. But as the project got more complex, things went downhill fast. The AI stopped listening, burned through my credits, and made pointless changes that broke working functions. The app ended up crashing more than it ran, and the AI’s attempts at debugging were like shouting into the void.

When I reached out for support, it was even worse. Replit’s "team" felt non-existent—just generic, AI-generated replies with no real help in sight. Too much AI everywhere, even in email responses.... It honestly feels like the company has no intention of maintaining teams or retaining employees. At times, it seems as though only two people are running the entire company. the CEO himself and maybe a part-time YouTuber hyping them up. I’m pretty sure I could fit the whole team on the back seat of my motorbike—room to spare!

After hearing about their AI wiping an entire database recently, I can’t say I’m shocked. My experience was just a smaller version of that disaster. Replit has potential, but they seriously need to step up their game..

Can You Rely 100% on Replit?

Short answer: No.

But it can be a yes if you pair it with Cursor.ai Pro Plan.

I was building a CRM on Replit — not a basic one, but a subscription management CRM with decent complexity. It had email sending systems, email templates, branded invoice generators, reminders, notifications, currency converters, and a bunch of smaller features. So yeah, a moderately advanced project.

Replit handled around 75–80% of the build. Then it started acting up.

It charged me for credits that gave zero value. Its AI Agent ghosted me, messed up the code, ignored clear prompts, and worst of all — the app began crashing. Even when I fed it precise logs and detailed instructions, the AI couldn’t debug anything. It felt like I was talking to a wall. A costly, useless wall.

How Cursor.ai Can Save Your Project

If Replit starts falling apart during the final stretch, here’s what you do:

• §  Export your code as a zip and open it in Cursor.
• §  Ask it to generate a preview and continue from there.

What’s great about Cursor is that their AI (probably on Auto mode by default) is way cheaper than Replit, Bolt, Lovable, or V0. If you know how to prompt and your task isn’t wildly complex, Auto mode usually gets the job done. But for more advanced stuff, yeah — you’ll need to cough up a bit for Max mode. Still, Cursor is stable, doesn’t hijack your app, and doesn’t randomly break things like Replit did.

Smart AI Tools Pairing

In my opinion, dumping all the money into both Replit Core and Cursor Pro isn’t smart especially at the full price they are charging i.e. Replit Core @ $240/year and Cursor Pro @ $192/year.

That’s why toolsarsenal.com is a lifesaver — it offers these plans at up to 70% off. With deals like that, you can build real SaaS products without burning through your wallet.

Flaws aside, Replit is still solid for fast prototyping and smaller projects. Right now, you can grab the Replit Core yearly plan at 70% off, which makes it a budget-friendly option.

But here’s where it gets better: pair Replit with Cursor.ai. Cursor specializes in refinement — debugging, polishing functions, and adding custom features. With 67% off Cursor Pro, this combo gives you the best of both worlds: speed from Replit, precision from Cursor. Both deals are available via ToolsArsenal.com, which lists 50+ dev tools at up to 90% off regular prices.

Final Take:

• Use Replit to build out 70–80% of your app — frontend, backend, the core structure.
• When Replit starts falling short, switch to Cursor to squash bugs, level up the features, and add those final touches.
• When it’s time to deploy? Don’t guess. Don’t text a friend. Ask Cursor’s chat which platform fits your current setup — AWS, Render, Netlify, Contabo — and let it guide the decision.

By mixing smart tools, keeping human control, and using platforms like Cursor to finish strong, you can actually build solid software with AI — not despite it.

Take advantage of these discounts and unlock a smoother, smarter workflow.