The Persistent Cycle of Attempting to Replace Software Developers
By
glimshe
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
The article examines the recurring pattern in the software industry where every decade brings new promises to simplify development and reduce the need for developers, from COBOL to modern AI tools. It explores why this cycle has persisted for fifty years, highlighting the frustration of business leaders with slow delivery and high costs, and developers feeling misunderstood and undervalued. The piece analyzes the fundamental nature of software work and why attempts to replace developers consistently fail despite technological advances.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledEvery decade brings new promises: this time, we'll finally make software development simple enough that we won't need so many developers.
Business leaders grow frustrated with slow delivery and high costs. Developers feel misunderstood and undervalued.
Understanding why this cycle persists for fifty years reveals what both sides need to know about the nature of software work.
The Pattern That Frustrates Everyone
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