The Future of Software Development Is Software Developers (codemanship.wordpress.com)

In a reflective commentary, a seasoned programmer argues that recent fears regarding AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), replacing software developers are misguided. Despite the recurrent claims from various technological cycles—from WYSIWYG editors to No-Code platforms—history shows that advances typically result in increased demand for programmers rather than a decrease. The author critiques the current hype around LLMs, emphasizing that, unlike previous tools that genuinely enhanced productivity, LLMs often introduce more inefficiencies and complications in software development, leading to less reliable outcomes. The author stresses that the core challenge of programming lies not in coding itself but in transforming ambiguous human thoughts into precise computational logic—an area where AI currently falls short. The commentary cautions that while AI coding assistants may assist with tasks such as prototyping or code completion, meaningful development will still require human insight and expertise. As businesses grapple with economic shifts, the demand for skilled programmers is poised to grow, reinforcing the notion that the future of software development will continue to rely heavily on human developers, particularly as the limitations of AI tools become clearer.