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Being "Just a Developer" Isn't Enough Anymore

saasykit.com

11–20 of 23 posts

Re: Being "Just a Developer" Isn't Enough Anymore

#13
I agree with some parts, at least.

After my recent layoff, I realized I had become too narrow. I knew one language and one subject matter well, and couldn't quickly switch to something else. I was lucky and found an exact fit within a week - but there's no guarantee that will happen again.

Definitely doesn't hurt to know a few languages, a few subjects well. Even if you're not an expert, you can fake it for a bit while you get the details down.

Re: Being "Just a Developer" Isn't Enough Anymore

#14
No need to go by some generic rules. Just respond to what's going on around you. Not all companies move the same way in adopting AI. Some do it for PR sake. Highly regulated domains move at snail's space. So wait until you see the change and respond in way that aligns with the change. No hard rules.

Re: Being "Just a Developer" Isn't Enough Anymore

#15

Software Development might be dead, but Software Engineering is alive and well. Anyone seriously interfacing with AI code generation can tell you that understanding how software is composed and architected is, and will continue to be, a requirement to building anything worthwhile. These systems are impressive but we are a far ways away from "Magical Genie Wishes" as a means of creating software.

And where do people think "Software Engineers" come from?

Do they spring fully formed from Zeus' forehead?

Re: Being "Just a Developer" Isn't Enough Anymore

#16

Software Development might be dead, but Software Engineering is alive and well. Anyone seriously interfacing with AI code generation can tell you that understanding how software is composed and architected is, and will continue to be, a requirement to building anything worthwhile. These systems are impressive but we are a far ways away from "Magical Genie Wishes" as a means of creating software.

How can you be so sure of that? We moved from completing the next word in a sentence to hey Claude, build me a SaaS awfully quickly. Are you willing to bet your career on a pace slowdown?

Re: Being "Just a Developer" Isn't Enough Anymore

#18
Just move on to something else already, e.g. designing physical products, getting them manufactured, and selling them. Use AI all along the way instead of fighting it. The longer one stays a developer, the worse the salaries will get. It won't be too long before it becomes a minimum wage job.

Re: Being "Just a Developer" Isn't Enough Anymore

#20

Everyone is now a developer (Just don't tell them about software maintenance)

AI bubble burst will be a great time to pick up work of this kind. LLM prices skyrocket, needs a real dev.

Indeed. The new (and few) AI Plumbers will command the best rates.
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