My obituary for programming

The author reflects on their past reluctance to adopt AI coding agents, despite the growing trend among programmers who seemingly view programming as a chore to be delegated to machines. However, the author staunchly believes in the joy of programming, seeing it as an engaging puzzle limited only by one's creativity and the potential for creating meaningful, impactful work.

Despite initial skepticism about the job market, the author's business experienced one of its most prosperous years yet, despite the hype and noise surrounding AI advancements. While acknowledging the real innovations and impressive feats enabled by AI, the author wonders if the ease of use might diminish the value of the work. If AI can effortlessly pinpoint and fix bugs, refactor code, and make programs run faster, does it really matter who wrote the original code?

The author fondly remembers their early fascination with computers and the exhilaration of writing code, a superpower that felt both fun and incredibly powerful. It was a noble pursuit, even in the face of a seemingly bleak job market during the dot-com bust. Programming was an escape, a game, and a way to command real value. The author vividly remembers how they once thought a career in programming was unrealistic, yet today, it has become one of the most rewarding and lucrative professions.

The author emphasizes the unique position of programmers in the job market, where they dictate the terms of engagement, setting strategies, timelines, and defining what is possible. They bask in the glory of solving complex logic puzzles, with substantial compensation for their efforts. However, the author also notes the deluge of emails and LinkedIn messages they receive, reminiscent of a desirable person on a dating app, showcasing the high demand for their skills.

Programming has evolved from solving simple logic puzzles to a more mystical experience, akin to being plugged into the Matrix. With AI assistance, programmers can achieve incredible feats with minimal effort, but the author questions whether such ease equates to genuine accomplishment. The author contemplates whether the perceived grandeur of these advancements truly matters if the underlying value is diminished.

Ultimately, the author wrestles with the addictive allure of AI coding agents, recognizing the convenience and efficiency they offer. The author questions whether the convenience of vibecoding, or AI-assisted programming, truly represents programming itself. The author remains steadfast in their belief in the power of programming, but acknowledges the concerns that AI might eventually render human programmers obsolete.

The author sees themselves standing at the precipice of The Age of Wonders and Terrors, where the boundaries between reality and the capabilities of AI are blurred, and the future of programming hangs in the balance.