What a calculator is to an accountant, AI is becoming to a software developer.
Calculators did not replace accountants. Instead, they increased productivity by eliminating repetitive calculations and allowing accountants to focus on analysis and decision-making.
Similarly, AI-assisted development, vibe coding, and agentic coding are not replacing software engineers. They are augmenting developers by accelerating coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and modernization efforts.
Today, a calculator is an essential tool for accountants. Likewise, AI coding assistants are rapidly becoming essential tools for software developers.
Developers who learn to work effectively with AI will likely be more productive than those who do not.