A grumpy screed about AI in software engineering
sam.sutch.net
July 18, 2026
3 min read
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43/100
Summary
AI's impact on software engineering has led to a perception of decreased quality in pull requests, documentation, and design specifications. Many software engineers share frustrations about the decline in standards attributed to AI-generated content.
Key Takeaways
- The integration of AI in software engineering has led to a perception that most work produced is of low quality, referred to as "slop."
- Many software engineers feel compelled to use AI tools, as opting out is seen as professionally nonviable and negatively impacts employability.
- The author expresses a longing for a return to meaningful software development, noting that even major companies are now producing low-quality software.
- Non-AI software projects may exist but are likely to remain niche and lack significant commercial impact.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- Many seasoned engineers are finding this era liberating, finishing more projects and learning faster than ever before — it's a creativity boom for those who embrace it.
- AI tools are seen as a productivity boost, allowing engineers to explore new languages and complete tasks more efficiently — a game-changer for those who adapt.
Concerns
- There's a palpable fear that AI will commoditize software development, turning it into an assembly line where true craftsmanship is lost — a grim future for passionate engineers.
- Some engineers feel disheartened as they watch less skilled individuals succeed with AI-driven solutions, leading to a sense of deskilling in the profession.
- The debate reveals a deep division in the community, with some feeling that the joy of coding is overshadowed by the reliance on chatbots and AI — a loss of pride in one's work.
