I teach computer science at Montana State University. I am the father of three sons who all know I am a computer programmer and one of whom, at least, has expressed interest in the field. I love computer programming and try to communicate that love to my sons, the students in my classes and anyone else who will listen.
A question I am increasingly getting from relatives, friends and students is:
Given AI, should I still consider becoming a computer programmer?
My response to this is: “Yes, and…”
As a senior software engineer, I enjoyed the article and agree with the sentiment with regards to education (learning is good).
That being said I don’t think I’d recommend to a friend or family member that they go into this field. The job market for juniors is terrible and companies are much more inclined to believe AI can do it better for cheaper - even at the expense of never teaching the next generation of senior engineers.
Personally, I feel more burnt out than ever reading dozens of low quality PRs every day from juniors who clearly do not know what mistakes to look for. All comments by seniors on PRs are addressed by the AI as well so the traditional feedback <-> learning seems broken - particularly in remote work.
yeah anyone getting into programming now is going to have a vastly different experience than those of yore… it is now about mass reviewing shit code and guiding AIs to do something less stupid (next to impossible)
I tell children to learn an artisanal trade they can do with their hands and an artistic skill.