The New Experience of Coding with AI

AI-powered code assistants have become increasingly sophisticated, capable of analyzing entire projects and writing significant amounts of code. This has created a divide among software engineers, with some enthusiastically adopting the tools for productivity while others, who value the craft of coding, feel their skills are being devalued. The author describes the "seduction" of using these assistants, where the immediate convenience often overshadows concerns about skill atrophy, job security, and the broader ethical and environmental costs of AI. Developers are now in a difficult position, needing to adapt to maintain relevance while navigating these complex personal and professional trade-offs.