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I will say this, I don't see how these aids can hurt someone's ability to write code.

In that, I think there is a difference between those tools and AI. AI can write code fast, but can definitely also hurt your ability maintain a codebase if you aren't keeping it in check.

I don't think there's any level where synatax highlighting could make a codebase worse.

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When a coworker pastes a screenshot of their syntax highlighted code with a black background into chat it is functionally 50% blank as my 55 year old eyes are not good at low contrast. Regular blue, purples and reds are often unreadable against a black background.

Fortunately syntax highlighting isn’t part of the code, it’s just how it’s displayed. There comes a point where pasting images of code, to preserve syntax highlighting, into chats, email, and documentation it’s not only a waste of space, it becomes an ADA issue. Use whatever fonts and themes in your editor, but keep those to yourself.

I'm guessing they used the same argument that was made for calculators, printing... By lessening the burden on your brain you weaken it.

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