No Skill. No Taste (blog.kinglycrow.com)

A recent discussion on Hacker News highlights the growing concern among developers regarding the impact of large language models (LLMs) on software quality and creativity. The author, with extensive programming experience, argues that while LLMs have lowered barriers to entry for new developers, many lack the skill or taste needed to deliver quality applications. This influx of subpar, derivative projects is cluttering platforms like Show HN, where genuine innovation once thrived. The criticism centers on the misperception that with AI tools, anyone can create valuable applications, often leading to poorly constructed projects that do not stand out. The significance of this discussion lies in the emphasis on the importance of discernment and aesthetic sense in software development. The author asserts that skill alone isn't enough; a project must also resonate with users to be successful. This phenomenon mirrors past trends in technology, suggesting the need for developers to adapt and elevate their standards. As the community confronts this new wave of creativity facilitated by LLMs, there's an ongoing educational opportunity for developers to cultivate taste, ensuring that their contributions are both relevant and impactful. This scenario offers potential parallels to past technological booms, emphasizing that the perception of ease in building apps might overshadow the critical need for quality.