Opinionllmsoftware developmenthistory of computing
Legacy Technologies Fail To Replace Software Developers
6.8
Jesse Warden traces computing innovations from 1959 through the 2000s—COBOL, MYCIN, Wang machines, Visual Basic and business rules engines—and argues tools touted to replace programmers instead created new roles and demand. He highlights how RAD tooling, expert systems, and visual programming reshaped workflows without eliminating developers, concluding current AI/LLMs will likely augment work and expand opportunities for software practitioners.
Key Points
- 1Traces historical tools (COBOL, MYCIN, Visual Basic) repeatedly claimed to replace programmers
- 2Demonstrates that such technologies instead created new roles, tools, and business opportunities
- 3Reassures developers that current AI/LLMs will likely augment workflows, increasing demand for adaptable skills
Scoring Rationale
Broad historical perspective and practical reassurance, but limited novel evidence or empirical data, reducing actionable impact.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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