Introduction
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the software development industry, promising to transform the way we build software. However, a recent candid LinkedIn post by a Machine Learning engineer has sparked a heated debate, warning of a potential crisis in software development. The engineer claims that AI tools are not only reshaping software development but also creating the worst generation of developers in history.
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The Rise of AI-Generated Code
AI tools, such as ChatGPT, have made it possible for developers to generate code quickly and efficiently. However, this reliance on AI-generated code has raised concerns about the lack of understanding and debugging skills among developers. According to the engineer, many junior devs today are unable to debug their code without AI assistance, making them functionally illiterate.
The Consequences of Over-Reliance on AI
The engineer warns that over-reliance on AI tools can lead to catastrophic consequences when the AI models go down or hallucinate wrong. This can render entire engineering teams useless, making it essential to develop skills that enable developers to debug and build software end-to-end.
The New Breed of Developers
The post predicts a sharp divide in the industry, with developers who built foundational skills before the AI boom being in high demand. These developers will command a premium, as they possess the skills to debug and build software independently.
Conclusion
While AI has brought numerous benefits to the software development industry, it is imperative to recognize the potential risks and consequences of over-reliance on AI tools. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize developing skills that enable developers to debug and build software independently. By doing so, we can ensure that the worst generation of developers does not become a reality.
Originally published on https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/worst-generation-ml-engineer-warns-of-2026-layoffs-as-ai-native-developers-struggle-to-debug-own-code-485422-2025-07-20
