The 2019 - 2022 period was the gold rush of software development. Software development was so hot that people could get software development jobs with relative ease after finishing questionable coding bootcamps or online courses.
Software development was the dream job - work from your couch with the laptop on your lap and make big bucks.
All was well for a while, but it didn't last long. The sudden and artificial influx of new developers disrupted the tech market since there were now a ton of developers but not enough jobs. Or not enough competent developers. Companies also realised they over-hired, in addition to external factors like the end of the “zero interest rate policy” (ZIRP), which resulted in massive layoffs.
To make matters worse, AI started to burst into the scene aggressively at the end of 2022 with the release of ChatGPT which started the whole circus of "AI will replace developers". These days, you're likely bombarded with how AI is the future and will do all the coding, and developers will become obsolete.
So, is it worth learning how to code, considering all the AI FUD and the broken tech market?
I believe it's still worth learning to code and improving your coding skills. Maybe more than ever.
AI gives many people the false belief that they can write code and build applications. And that's partially true because they can write (copy) AI-generated code to scaffold applications. That impresses people, and especially the non-devs. However, when it comes to the quality of the code... that's an entirely different story. Or when the time comes to debug, re-factor code and build new features.
A few days ago, I came across this comment on Reddit, which sums up the whole "AI replacing developers" narrative.
This is not only about managers but all people who think they're suddenly developers because AI spits code for them. The amount of broken applications and tech debt they create will feed developers for tens of years.
Don't get me wrong. AI is a great technology, and I use it daily for various tasks, from brainstorming ideas to coding. Plus, a wide range of other tasks. And that's exactly why I'm writing this article - because I use it daily, and I know it's not what some people make it look like.
Learning to code and upskilling yourself will only allow you to make better use of AI. Even if we assume that we won't write any code and AI will do all the coding, you still need to understand technical concepts to correct and steer it in the right direction. And if AI will be able to generate a fully working, human-developed-level app just from a few prompts, then we'll have bigger problems to focus on.
So, if you're learning to code, my advice is to keep going because it'll serve you well wether AI will do all the coding or not. On top of that, avoid people, posts, videos, and articles that create FUD; they're disingenuous and usually sell an AI product or service. Lastly, you should code as much as possible without AI to properly learn the programming concepts. Or, at the very least, use AI but don't copy the generated code unless you understand what it does 100%.
The same thing applies if you're a developer already. Just continue upskilling, which includes getting familiar with AI even if you're not the biggest fan. Refusing to get familiar with AI can be counterintuitive for you and your career.
Personally, I'm excited by the future of AI and its applications, but also frightened because of the unknown. However, I choose to look at the bright side.