The rise of generative AI and a weak employment market has people asking some uncomfortable questions about the future for junior software developers.
Generative AI has been a disruptive force in the 20 months or so since OpenAI unleashed ChatGPT on the world, forcing employers to rethink job roles and universities about how they teach the next generation of developers their craft.
Traditionally, junior developers start their careers by working on simple, repetitive coding tasks: fixing bugs, making small feature enhancements, and maintenance work. These tasks, while often mundane, are crucial in helping new programmers build their skills and gain experience.