AI has torched the market for junior programmers
Summary
The article analyzes how AI is transforming the job market for junior programmers, showing a sharp decline in 22-25 year-old software developers while older cohorts grow. It argues that AI is reshaping what counts as a programmer—shifting toward a broader 'software developer' capability powered by AI tools, not just traditional coding. The piece discusses implications for career ladders, apprenticeship models, and potential futures for hiring in large tech firms.