Believe it or not, writing code is a solved problem. It has been resolved, so we can automate parts of it. While we cannot completely substitute “programming” today, we are on the path to achieving just that as an industry.
But what about Software Engineering? Let’s get into it …
"AI creates crappy output, but helps me actually get better." – From my latest video
I still remember the first time I let AI write code for me. It felt like magic. I typed in a vague request, and a fully functional snippet came out. But as soon as I ran it, things started breaking: bugs, weird edge cases, and a complete lack of context. I thought, "Is this really the future?"
That was the moment I realized something. AI doesn’t just create code; it exposes what I don’t know. And that’s when things got interesting.
The Problem: AI Code is Mediocre, But So Are Most Developers
"What will be replaced by AI is very, very certain; the coding part."
There’s this narrative going around that AI is going to replace developers. It’s everywhere. But here’s the thing—AI isn’t replacing good developers; it’s replacing the ones who never really understood engineering in the first place.
I’ve been in this industry long enough to see the shift. Years ago, developers loved the craft. They wanted to understand systems, push boundaries, and build something meaningful. Now, we have many people who picked up coding because it pays well. They’re not engineers; they’re copy-pasters looking for shortcuts. Many people pick
AI is coming for them first.
And honestly? It should. Because coding isn’t the hard part anymore.
My Experience: AI as a Brutal Mirror
"AI can be a great companion. Think of pair programming. Most developers never had real pair programming sessions, but sometimes, from time to time, they were working with other people. And in that time, they actually learn quite a lot."
I’ve started using AI differently. Not as an autocomplete machine, but as a thinking partner.
Instead of asking for solutions, I started explaining my problem to the AI, just like I would to a senior engineer. And what happened? I got different perspectives. Some terrible, some interesting, but all of them forced me to think deeper. Why? Now, I have to critically evaluate every suggestion.
It’s like working with a junior developer who confidently suggests bad solutions—you must articulate why they don’t work. That process? That’s what makes you better.
Here’s what AI does really well:
It speeds up brainstorming.
It forces you to justify your decisions.
It exposes your blind spots.
But if you just copy-paste the output without thinking? You’re already obsolete.
The Real Skill: Engineering, Not Coding
"A software engineer looks beyond the current solution. A good engineer is putting up hypotheses, takes a look if it was wrong or right, and works upon that as a basis for the next iteration. That is software engineering."
🍪 I stopped thinking of myself as a “coder” or “programmer” long ago. AI made me realize why that was the right call.
Writing code is easy. Knowing what to build, why, and how to make it sustainable? That’s engineering. And AI isn’t there yet. Probably won’t be for a long time.
Developers stuck in tutorials, frameworks, and syntax will be left behind. Those who understand trade-offs, scalability, and real-world problems will thrive.
And that’s the actual game.
Since you came this far in the article, you are likely an aspiring person 🍀. I am teaching to become a better software engineer and a leader worth following. Have readyou
You can find me on MentorCruise.com
Key Takeaways
AI doesn’t replace good developers; it replaces those who don’t think critically. If all you do is copy-paste, you’re at risk.
Use AI like a junior developer, not a senior engineer. Question its answers, refine its ideas, and let it help you think.
Coding is a solved problem. The real value lies in problem-solving, architecture, and decision-making.
AI helps expose your weak spots. If an AI-generated solution confuses you, that’s a sign of what you need to learn next.
Engineering is about iteration. Good software isn’t about writing the perfect code but refining ideas and making informed decisions.
So, the question isn’t whether AI will replace you. The question is: Are you thinking at a level AI can’t?
What’s your take? Have you used AI to improve your skills, or is it making developers lazier? Drop a comment, let’s discuss.
Share this post