Developers are dead? Long live developers.

Amid recurring predictions of the end of developers, the role of software engineers is evolving rather than vanishing, driven by advancements in AI coding agents. While AI is increasingly capable of generating code, the demand for developers remains robust, as their role shifts from manual coding to defining intent, reviewing systems, and ensuring alignment with business goals. Developers are becoming critical in reviewing AI-generated code for intent accuracy, safety, and maintainability, as AI often lacks the nuanced judgment required for complex systems. The shift emphasizes the importance of intent-first workflows and upstream planning in the software development life cycle, with tools like CodeRabbit's Issue Planner aiding developers by clarifying assumptions, specifying constraints, and ensuring proper context before code generation. This transformation highlights that while the mechanics of coding may change, the need for human judgment, context, and accountability persists, ensuring developers remain indispensable in the tech landscape.