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I started programming when I was 7. I'm 50 now and the thing I loved has changed (jamesdrandall.com)

848 points by jamesrandall · 161 days ago · 668 comments on HN

Article summary

The author, a 50-year-old developer, reflects on how the field of programming has changed since they started at the age of 7. They express a sense of loss and disconnection from the craft, as modern tools and technologies, including AI, have altered the nature of programming. The author acknowledges that while they can still bring value to projects, the experience of building and creating is no longer the same. The article explores the tension between the benefits of new technologies and the loss of intimacy and satisfaction in the craft of programming.

Main themes

  • Evolution of programming
  • Impact of AI on coding
  • Abstraction and complexity
  • Craftsmanship and satisfaction
  • Technological change and identity

What commenters say

  • The use of AI-generated text undermines the authenticity and value of personal writing, particularly in emotional and reflective pieces.
  • The shift to AI-assisted coding is not just another incremental change, but a fundamental transformation that challenges the identity and role of developers.
  • Experienced developers can still bring significant value to projects, even if the nature of their work changes with the introduction of AI tools.
  • The integration of AI tools into coding workflows can be beneficial, but it also introduces new challenges and costs, such as the need to constantly refresh one's mental model of the code.
  • The loss of hands-on coding and the delegation of tasks to AI can be demotivating and unfulfilling for some developers, who find joy and satisfaction in the creative process of writing code.
  • The ability to use AI tools effectively requires a high degree of engagement and communication with the tool, which can be taxing and frustrating at times.
  • The benefits of AI-assisted coding, such as increased speed and efficiency, may come at the cost of deeper understanding and connection to the code and the craft of programming.
  • Developers who were previously skilled and confident in their abilities will likely remain so with the introduction of AI tools, but the nature of their work and the skills required will evolve.