Do junior devs still have a path to senior roles in an AI age?

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

LeadDev’s AI Impact Report 2025 highlights growing uncertainty for junior developers as AI takes over routine coding tasks.

The emergence of AI-powered coding assistants, coupled with a tightening job market, is prompting difficult questions about the future for early-career developers.

Since ChatGPT’s debut in November 2022, generative AI has transformed how software is written and taught, taking over repetitive tasks such as fixing bugs, updating minor features, and performing ongoing maintenance. 

While automating these tasks offers clear benefits for engineers, it also raises serious concerns about skill development and career progression for those just starting out.

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