The author suggests that AI could increase productivity expectations in the tech labor market by eliminating routine tasks. However, history has shown that attempts to reduce the presence of developers or streamline their role only add complexity to the work, making these workers even more necessary. The article concludes that while large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT could accelerate the complexity of programming, they are unlikely to eliminate the need for software engineers.
Key takeaways:
- Despite fears, new technologies and innovations have not eliminated the need for human software developers, but often made them more indispensable.
- Historically, attempts to simplify or eliminate the role of software engineers have resulted in added complexity and increased demand for these professionals.
- Large language models like ChatGPT could replace some routine tasks in software engineering, but they do not understand the actual requirements of a feature or the interconnections within a code base, so human engineers are still necessary.
- While AI could increase productivity expectations in the tech labor market, history suggests that attempts to reduce the presence of developers only end up making them more necessary.