The compiler was supposed to end programming too
Summary
The article argues that programming is unlikely to end due to AI, but the nature of work will shift as AI agents automate many routine tasks. It surveys historical automation milestones, current data from Stack Overflow and METR studies, and predicts how software development roles and workflows may evolve by 2031. The piece also discusses implications for hiring, verification, and how we measure productivity in an AI-augmented environment.