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Comment by johnfn | Hacker News Reader

Not all code needs to be written at a high level of quality. A good deal of code just needs to work. Shell scripts, one-offs, linter rules, etc.

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It'll be really interesting to see if the tech advances fast enough that future AI can deal with the tech debt of present day AI or if we'll see a generational die off of apps/companies.

I expect some of the big companies that went all in on relying on AI to fall in the coming years.

It will take some time tho, as decision makers will struggle to make up reasons why why noone on the payroll is able to fix production.

You’re objectively correct in a business context, which is what most software is for. For me, seeing AI slop code more and more is just sad from a craft perspective.

Software that’s well designed and architected is a pleasure to read and write, even if a lower quality version would get the job done. I’m watching one of the things I love most in the world become more automated and having the craftsmanship stripped out of it. That’s a bit over dramatic from me, but it’s been sad to watch.

I feel exactly the same way, it’s profoundly depressing.

It’s probably the same way monks copying books felt when the printing press came along. “Look at this mechanical, low-quality copy. It lacks all finesse and flourish of the pen!”

I agree with you that it is sad. And what is especially sad is that the result will probably be lower quality overall, but much cheaper. It’s the inevitable result of automation.

Many things have become higher quality with automation. Eg. consider CNC machines, metal machining etc.

Having seen my fair share of those, they tend to work either until they don't, or you need to somehow change it.

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