Code generation AI ethics Developer tools LLMs

We mourn our craft

nolanlawson.com

February 7, 2026

3 min read

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72/100

Summary

AI tools can generate code that surpasses human capabilities, leading to concerns about the diminishing role of programmers. The increasing reliance on AI for coding tasks raises issues regarding quality control and the potential for harmful code to be integrated into production.

Key Takeaways

AI tools can write code more effectively than human programmers, leading to concerns about job security for experienced developers.
The author expresses a sense of loss for the traditional craft of coding, anticipating that future generations will not understand the emotional connection to manual coding.
There is a generational divide in the programming community, with younger developers embracing AI tools while older programmers may struggle to adapt.
The author invites others to mourn the decline of manual coding as a craft, acknowledging that change is inevitable and often unwelcome.

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Analysis ready

Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

We're on the precipice of something incredible with AI, experiencing a golden age of computing that feels more magical than ever.
LLMs can augment the capabilities of senior developers, allowing them to focus on higher-level thinking rather than repetitive tasks.
The ability to communicate with AI models opens up new creative possibilities, enhancing the craft of making beautiful things.

Concerns

There is a growing concern among technologists about the potential job loss due to automation, leading to a sense of mourning for traditional roles.
The perception that LLMs threaten jobs reflects a deeper anxiety within the industry about self-disruption and obsolescence.