Issue 9

Today’s Issue: Will the rise of AI coding tools make developers extinct?

Welcome to #9.

First Up - AI Coding Tools…Are We Going Extinct?

With the rapid rise of AI-powered coding tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Cursor, and others, there’s a growing debate within the tech community about whether these new AI tools will eventually replace developers. As these tools get better at generating code, debugging, and even suggesting architectural patterns, the question of whether these tools could eventually replace us has a lot of merit.

Let’s break down what this means for developers in today’s evolving tech landscape and why the fear of extinction is in my opinion, premature.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

AI coding tools can assist developers in many tasks such as:

• Generating boilerplate code: Think of repetitive tasks like setting up file structures or writing common functions

• Debugging and optimizing code: AI tools can help pinpoint issues or suggest performance improvements

• Learning and improving: Developers benefit from AI guidance as it can explain patterns or syntax in real-time, acting as a mentor

These tools are transforming the way we work, but it’s important to remember that AI enhances human capability - it doesn’t replace it. Tools like GitHub Copilot can write snippets of code, but they rely on input from developers to frame the problem correctly and understand the context of what is trying to be accomplished.

The Need for Problem Solvers, Not Just Coders

Software development is more than just writing lines of code. Developers are problem solvers, and AI isn’t anywhere close to replacing the creativity and critical thinking involved in tasks like:

• Designing scalable architectures

• Identifying trade-offs in technologies and solutions

• Understanding complex business needs and translating them into technical requirements

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams

• And so much more!

Developers bring nuance, judgment, and a deep understanding of the business context, which is something AI lacks.

The Evolution of Roles

As time goes on, rather than making developers obsolete, AI will likely shift the focus of development. The demand for skilled developers may start to shift to other areas, but it won’t disappear. We’ll see new roles be made, new technology come out, and with all of this comes opportunities for more things to learn.

Continuous Learning Will Be Key

As we move forward, continuous learning will be very important. This isn’t anything new though - our industry has always required constant upskilling, and AI is just another shift in that journey. Developers who embrace change, continuously learn, and push the pedal forward will find themselves ahead of the curve and will likely remain highly sought after. As you move forward, embrace these AI tools and incorporate them into your workflow. Leverage what is available.

Conclusion

So, will AI coding tools make developers extinct? The short answer is no. Instead, AI will elevate the role of the developer, automating tedious tasks and allowing us to focus on more creative, strategic, and impactful work. The key is to view AI as a powerful tool in our toolkit - not a threat to our existence.

Second Topic - What AI Tools I’m Currently Using

I use a few different tools for specific tasks. This list is not exhaustive, but these are my main ones:

• Cursor - The AI code editor I use. They forked VSCode so if you're familiar with that, this will feel similar

• ChatGPT - I use this for really any general questions or day-to-day tasks I have or to sometimes generate images for my posts

• Lex - This is the AI writing tool I am currently using. It can help speed things up by giving writing ideas and generating topics

If you know of any cool tools I should check out, shoot me a message!

Till Next Time

For those of you curious or concerned about AI, I hope I’ve helped put your mind at ease. After a week away on vacation, I’m feeling refreshed and ready to dive back into work! I spent my time at the lake, swimming, fishing, cooking, and doing my best to stay unplugged—exactly what I needed to recharge.

I hope you all had a great week as well. Have a great weekend, and as always, happy coding!