Where's the Quality? (catskull.net)

A software engineer reflects on the impact of AI tools in coding and raises concerns about the paradox of increased software production coupled with declining quality. After utilizing the AI code assistant Claude extensively in his current role, he finds that, despite being able to review and produce code more efficiently, the overall quality of shipped software does not seem to be improving. The engineer points out that even leading tech companies—developers of AI tools—struggle with major bugs and software reliability, questioning whether true advancements in functionality have been realized in recent products. This commentary highlights a significant issue in the AI/ML community: the rush to adopt AI for faster code generation may be compromising software quality. The engineer calls for a re-emphasis on excellence, urging developers to balance the rapid pace of innovation with a commitment to delivering reliable and user-friendly products. By advocating for empathy towards end-users and prioritizing quality over speed, he stresses the need for a cultural shift in software development focused on craftsmanship, ethical responsibility, and long-term user satisfaction, rather than merely meeting market demands.