Prominent software engineering voice Gergely Orosz recently took to social media to challenge what he described as "stupid stuff" from influencers suggesting that large language models (LLMs) threaten programming careers to the point of abandonment. Orosz, known for his influential "The Pragmatic Engineer" newsletter, directly quoted developer Simon Willison to underscore his point, emphasizing that LLMs are tools that augment, rather than replace, human capabilities in software development.
Willison's widely cited analogy posits, > "Quitting programming as a career right now because of LLMs would be like quitting carpentry thanks to the invention of the table saw." This comparison highlights the view that new technologies, while transformative, often serve to enhance the efficiency and scope of skilled professionals rather than rendering them obsolete. Just as a table saw empowered carpenters to achieve more with greater precision, LLMs are seen as enabling developers to automate repetitive tasks and focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation.
Gergely Orosz consistently advocates for a pragmatic approach to integrating LLMs into software engineering workflows. His perspective, widely shared among seasoned tech professionals, emphasizes that core skills such as system design, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving remain paramount. He frequently advises engineers to adapt by learning to leverage these powerful AI tools to boost their productivity and tackle more ambitious projects.
The broader tech industry consensus aligns with Orosz and Willison's stance, viewing LLMs as co-pilots that accelerate development cycles and improve efficiency across the software development lifecycle. Reports from sources like Harvard Business Review and Forbes indicate that AI tools are increasingly integrated for tasks ranging from code generation and testing to debugging. This integration is shifting the required skill sets for developers, focusing on their ability to strategically apply AI, rather than diminishing the overall demand for human engineers.