Fired the Developers and Regretted It: The Side of the AI Revolution No One Wants to Admit

Technology is constantly evolving, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the leading force behind this transformation.

Of course, more and more SaaS platforms keep popping up to solve problems!!!

Of course, AI will evolve significantly and make our work even easier!!!!

But can AI really replace programmers right now? The answer is a resounding "no". And here's why.

I've been following the digital market for more than two decades, and if there's one thing I've learned in that time, it's that technology can't solve everything on its own. AI is a powerful tool, yes, but believing it can completely replace the people behind the code is a classic mistake made by those at the peak of the Dunning-Kruger effect. In other words, thinking you know a lot about a subject when, in fact, you know very little.

Here we can see the celebratory post:

And here, a week later, the post expressing regret....

So, why doesn't AI replace programmers?

Recent studies make this clear:

• In 2024, McKinsey's "Future of Work in Tech" report highlighted that AI can boost developer productivity by up to 40%, but its effectiveness depends on experienced professionals guiding it. AI doesn't make creative decisions, solve ambiguous problems, or, definitely, understand a project's context the way a human would.
• Another study by Stanford HAI found that while AI tools such as Copilot can suggest lines of code, they also produce errors in 27% of their recommendations. Without a developer to review and correct them, these errors can lead to significant losses.

Programming is more than just coding!

A developer's work goes far beyond writing code. It's about solving complex problems, understanding the nuances of a business, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring solutions are scalable and secure. No AI in the world has that level of contextual understanding.

AI is still an extension of human skills

Tools like o1, Cursor, and Copilot are incredible for speeding up repetitive tasks, but without human oversight, they're useless. The programmer provides strategic direction and ensures the final result is functional, efficient, and aligned with the project's goals.

Market insights: the real role of AI

Technology companies that are ahead of the curve know that AI doesn't replace human talent, it enhances it. Take Microsoft, for example. It invests heavily in tools like Copilot, but also in training programs for developers. The company understands that synergy between humans and machines is the true competitive advantage.

However, stories like Wes Winder's show the danger of underestimating the role of people. When he announced on Twitter that he had replaced his entire team with AI, he seemed like a visionary. But reality soon caught up with him, and he found himself without the support needed to deliver quality projects. The result: a desperate call for programmers, now under the critical gaze of the entire community.

My personal view: balance is the key

Working with companies across industries and of all sizes, I see that true digital maturity lies in finding the balance between technology and human talent. AI is here to stay, but as a tool that complements people, not one that replaces them. When I see leaders ignoring this balance, I feel they're digging their own grave in the market.

Programmers aren't just a line item in the budget. They're the architects of the digital future. And the future won't be dominated by AI alone, but by those who know how to combine the best of technology with human potential.

So, before jumping into a technological "revolution," remember: the devil is in the details, and you probably don't know those details. Value the people who build the foundations for innovation. Because, at the end of the day, technology is only as good as the people who use it.