Is software engineering still a craft?

The integration of AI tools in software development has sparked a complex and nuanced debate about the evolving nature of the profession, with many engineers experiencing a crisis of personal and professional meaning. While AI technologies have made coding more accessible to non-programmers, allowing them to experience the joy of creating software, they have simultaneously diminished the sense of craftsmanship and creative fulfillment for seasoned developers. This shift has led some experienced engineers to feel that their deep understanding and skill set are becoming less valuable, as AI handles much of the initial coding work, leaving them primarily with the fine-tuning tasks. Despite these changes, there remains a belief among some professionals that the essence of software craftsmanship still holds importance, particularly in areas requiring deep system design and testing. The transition to AI-assisted coding continues to challenge engineers to adapt by finding new sources of satisfaction and meaning in their work, as they navigate the balance between traditional coding practices and the efficiencies offered by modern technology.