I come from a time when we had to set background:white for web pages because old browsers had a gray default background. My first programming book was a C++ book in the mid-90s. So, I had witnessed the evolution of software/web development, design, and programming from the 90s to today. It saddens me to see that our future may not be as bright as I hoped back in the late 2000s when everyone was innovating on the web with jQuery, Prototype, Mootools, YUI, and more. Everybody was working very hard to find new ways to push the web forward. Today is very different. There is a push for being an AI-first programmer without even knowing the foundations.
For the past ten years, we’ve emphasized the importance of learning to code to enhance problem-solving skills, even for those who don’t want to become programmers. Today, we are migrating to another world where programming is not even a priority due to AI. I’m worried that we could enter an era of lack of innovation in programming languages, frameworks, and design, that leads to a decline in tech. For instance, we are reaching to a point that if we continue with everything AI, there won’t be real programmers or even people studying computer science to push the technology forward. There are too many people and “influencers” pushing for an all AI movement, which could be a detriment to society because you would have to trust those systems created with AI, and the lack of opportunities skilled software developers will get.
I see AI as a way to enhance the productivity of the developer, but not to replace the developer. Companies are firing skilled developers, claiming they can be replaced by AI, asserting that the work of 10 developers could be done by 5 with AI. Unfortunately, most developers don’t see that with AI, they are constantly training their replacement in the future. The Vibe Coding movement is emerging and could sway new developers towards this approach, making the situation even worse.
Vibe coding refers to the trend where developers rely more on AI and less on traditional coding skills. The shift towards visual programming, prompt-based tools, and no-code solutions is making web development more accessible. This democratization allows individuals without formal coding backgrounds to create functional websites and applications using drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components. However, this shift raises concerns about the erosion of traditional programming skills. As more people participate in vibe coding, there is a risk that the understanding of programming languages’ logic may decline. Companies may find it challenging to locate skilled developers who possess a deep understanding of programming fundamentals.
We have always used scaffolding to generate boilerplate code. When I worked with RoR, I was happy generating code as a starting point for CRUD. However, I was responsible for the code, not AI. Also, I knew how it was made and how it was done. Today, people are creating real apps without needing to code or understand the underlying process.
It is easy to create a “website” or “app” with vibe coding. If you’re not an experienced developer, debugging, modifying, or updating the application will be very challenging. In a landscape dominated by vibe coding, businesses may prioritize speed and aesthetics over robust architecture and long-term scalability. While meeting immediate needs, this approach could lead to technical debt and performance issues in the future.
Moreover, with fewer real programmers, the industry may experience a skills gap that affects software quality and innovation. Real programmers bring a depth of problem-solving capabilities and critical thinking that vibe coding can’t replicate. As technology continues to evolve, the need for proficient developers who can architect complex systems will remain essential.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the ease of vibe coding with the necessity for foundational programming knowledge. Education systems, coding boot camps, and online platforms must evolve to ensure user-friendliness without sacrificing in-depth programming education. The industry must cultivate a culture that values both innovation through accessible tools and the craftsmanship of true programming expertise. I hope future generations keep innovating and breaking barriers for the greater good, not just for a few companies.
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