Honestly, I think the role is definitely changing — not disappearing, but shifting. With tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, devs don’t have to write every line from scratch anymore. That speeds things up, sure, but it also means we’ll need to focus more on understanding the problem, structuring good prompts, and reviewing the output carefully — because let’s be real, AI can still be wrong or messy. I feel like debugging, system design, and knowing how to glue things together properly will matter more than memorizing syntax. It’s still early, though, and I’m figuring it out as I go too.
My day job company does some web apps, but mostly focuses on embedded systems. The CEO believes that AI tools will allow us to do projects faster and with less cost to the client. We will be factoring that into our estimates and quotes as we become more adept at using these tools.
I think tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are definitely shifting things. You’re still writing code, but it’s becoming more about problem-solving, planning, and knowing how to guide the AI. You still need a solid foundation, but it feels like the focus is leaning more toward logic and architecture over syntax. Curious to see where it goes from here.
I also don't see AI replacing web developers. I mean, they can for sure find a way to use AI to help them with some tasks, but it won't replace them.
I walked into a high end upscale fancy restaurant to meet a prospective customer wearing your AI Chatbot Model tinfoil hat. Everybody was staring at me and the client asked me what I had on my head with a big grin. When I told him what it was he laughed so hard that he had tears in his eyes. He then told me that he liked my sense of humor and awarded me the contract. I then realized that I had mistakingly put on your Success Model tinfoil hat on by mistake. All's well that ends well huh?