Generative AI is not going to build your engineering team for you

Generative AI is increasingly being discussed in the context of software engineering, but it is important to recognize its limitations. While AI can generate code quickly, it does not replace the need for skilled engineers, particularly junior ones, who are essential for learning and growing within the industry. The software engineering field has matured, requiring more knowledge and experience than in the past. The journey to becoming a competent engineer typically takes over seven years of hands-on experience, emphasizing that software engineering is fundamentally an apprenticeship industry. The misconception that generative AI can replace junior engineers stems from a misunderstanding of the complexities involved in software development. Writing code is the easier part; the real challenge lies in managing, understanding, and operating complex systems over time. AI-generated code may appear plausible but often lacks coherence with existing codebases and does not adhere to specific coding practices. While generative AI can assist in generating repetitive or template-like code, it cannot be fully trusted to produce high-quality, maintainable code. Therefore, the industry must continue to invest in training and hiring junior engineers to ensure a sustainable future.

- Generative AI cannot replace the need for junior engineers in software development.

- The journey to becoming a competent software engineer typically takes over seven years.

- Writing code is easier than managing and understanding complex software systems.

- AI-generated code often lacks coherence and cannot be fully trusted.

- The software industry must invest in training and hiring to sustain future growth.