Software engineers could go extinct this year, says Claude Code creator (fortune.com)

Boris Cherny, the creator of the AI tool Claude Code, has sparked significant debate by predicting that the traditional role of software engineers could become obsolete by the end of the year. Claude Code, an advanced coding assistant that can autonomously complete tasks with minimal human intervention, has already transformed how many engineers work, with some reporting that it could replicate a year's worth of coding in just an hour. Cherny believes this shift will lead to a new classification for workers, stating that "everyone will be a product manager" and software engineering roles will fade away, paralleling historical changes brought about by the printing press. The implications for the AI/ML community are profound, as this tool not only automates coding but also interacts with platforms like Google Docs and Slack, potentially disrupting a wide range of computer-based jobs. Cherny emphasizes the need for workers to adapt by becoming more generalist and collaborative, enabling them to thrive in an evolving landscape that values interdisciplinary skills. He also advocates for a societal dialogue on the future of work, acknowledging that while AI’s rapid advancements promise efficiency, they also present challenges and discomfort for many in the tech industry.