Why AI won't replace developers—but it has changed the industry
Blog post from Upsun
Greg Qualls shares his experience of returning to development through AI, highlighting the tool's transformative yet limited role in software engineering. Initially relying on AI to build a simple app, he encountered challenges like deployment and scalability, underscoring the necessity of human oversight and foundational programming knowledge. While AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Cursor can automate coding tasks, they lack the creativity and problem-solving capabilities inherent to human developers. This implies that while AI can enhance productivity by handling routine tasks, it cannot fully replace skilled developers who possess critical thinking and domain expertise. Qualls emphasizes that AI's rise may threaten junior or underperforming developers but will not eliminate the need for adept professionals who can guide AI effectively. He advises business leaders to view AI as a supplement to human intelligence rather than a wholesale replacement, cautioning against overhyped expectations of AI's capabilities in producing robust, production-ready software.