End of the era of writing code as we know it

Source: Dev.to

The Shift in Software Engineering

Software engineers, including myself, are gradually realizing that the era of writing code as we know it is ending. This doesn’t mean we are replaceable; rather, it’s the perfect time to strengthen our human skills—critical thinking, creativity, orchestration, architectural and system‑design abilities.

Imagine a factory worker who is promoted to manager. The worker must now view the operation from a broader perspective, acquire new skills, and still rely on the hands‑on knowledge that made them effective on the shop floor.

The same transition is happening for software engineers with the AI shift. AI lifts us to a higher level: we can oversee coding agents, review their output, and intervene when problems arise. Our experience gives us a decisive advantage over beginners, allowing us to scale, steer, and create powerful systems from imagination and mastery.

The Lesson of Expertise

A large factory’s vital engine fails. An expert with 40 years of experience taps it with a hammer, and it roars back to life. The owner demands an itemized invoice:

• Tapping with a hammer: $2.00
• Knowing where to tap: $9,998.00

The story illustrates that we pay for expertise, not just the minutes spent on a task. AI is a tool in the hands of an experienced professional; knowing when, what, and how to use it makes you valuable. Enhance that value by focusing on fundamentals, adaptability, and the bigger picture rather than chasing every new tool.

Key Takeaways from Pascal Bornet’s “Irreplaceable” Course

The LinkedIn course by Pascal Bornet (https://lnkd.in/eDPknKbN) outlines practical steps to become irreplaceable.

Set Concrete Goals

• Implement three AI tools that will save you five hours weekly.
• Prioritize efficiency over effort to create more value with less volume.

Identify Automation Candidates

• Apply the 20 % rule: find tasks that consume 80 % of your time but deliver minimal value.
• Research AI tools to automate these repetitive tasks.

Manage Digital Life

• Turn off non‑essential notifications.
• Schedule specific times for checking email and social media to minimize distractions.

Develop “Humics”

• Dedicate 30 minutes daily to uniquely human abilities (creativity, critical thinking, social authenticity).
• Use exercises like creative writing or active‑listening practice.

Build AI Literacy

• Allocate 15 % of your workday to learning about AI.
• Listen to AI podcasts, subscribe to newsletters, and experiment with one new AI tool each week.

Focus on High‑Value Activities

• Identify the 20 % of activities that generate 80 % of your impact.
• Test an AI tool on one of these tasks and measure improvement.

Clean Your Digital Footprint

• Review and update privacy settings on digital accounts.
• Create a schedule to regularly clean your digital footprint.

Extend Practices to Teams and Family

• Implement irreplaceable practices within teams and at home.
• Create technology‑free zones and teach children to use AI as a learning tool.

Community Engagement

• Join or create a community to share irreplaceable practices.
• Schedule learning sessions with colleagues to exchange AI discoveries and human‑skill development techniques.

Embracing Change

Change can be difficult, but it also offers the chance to become a richer, more adaptable version of yourself. By strengthening human skills and leveraging AI wisely, you remain indispensable in the evolving landscape of software engineering.