The Digital Press

Programming is becoming cheaper and easier due to AI, leading to conflicting economic predictions about whether the number of programmers will rise or fall. This shift changes the value in software development from coding itself to understanding, integration, and judgment.

Why it matters: AI-driven programming deflation makes coding a basic skill, shifting value to system design, integration, and decision-making.

The big picture: The cost reduction creates a feedback loop where cheaper tools accelerate innovation and increase software experimentation.

The stakes: Without strong judgment and integration skills, the flood of cheap, low-quality code could increase complexity and risk for businesses.

Commenters say: They highlight the importance of human expertise alongside AI, question the ease of improving judgment, and warn of overproduction risks and quality challenges.