pfung @pfung.dev · May 11 My thoughts on why LLMs won't replace junior programmers - they simply don't do the same thing. LLMs are better positioned as productivity multipliers for all engineers rather than replacements for any specific role.
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I asked AI for answers over the last couple of days. It was wrong - mostly a complete waste of time.
i agree, few people understand this
I don't think enough consideration is being given to the irrationality of hiring. LLMs don't have to have the capabilities of junior devs, they only have to seem "close enough". Managers making all the money will move on before the damage becomes evident.
Without junior engineers, you never get new senior engineers. So until AI can replace the entire pipeline, trying to eliminate junior engineers from the workforce would just be silly anyway ...
Agreed, but play that out in a market. Unless there is a demand for more programming, there will be fewer programming jobs. That looks like lower wages, more early retirement and fewer new juniors that can break in.