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Discussion on: AI is a Loom: The End and the New Beginning of Web Dev

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redwrenb profile image
Red Wren

I'm at the stage of trying to get my first Web Dev fulltime job, in an already extremely difficult market. There's so much I still need to learn, yet if this shift of AI is quickly becoming the future, will it be even harder to start a programming career? Should I consider switching to a different path in tech?

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mor10 profile image
Morten @ home

From where I'm standing as an educator and subject matter expert, there will be plenty of work for web professionals in the future. The big shift is what tools we're using and how we're using them. Spend part of your time staying at the forefront of new AI-powered tools and how to use them and you'll be miles ahead of the people currently in the industry. This isn't an AI vs humans situations, it's humans supercharged with AI. Learn to use AI tools and learn to make the AI tools do what you want them to and you'll be solidly placed for the long bumpy haul.

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artxe2 profile image
Yeom suyun

There is a simple way to think about this issue.
If AI can do your job, then your job is at risk.
If AI is just a tool, then it will help you do your job better.
Of course, in the case of agriculture, the introduction of tractors led to a significant decrease in the number of farmers.

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trillastrobuzz profile image
Trill Astro Buzz

The introduction of tractors led to a decrease in the number of farmers, not because of a scarcity of farming opportunities, but because tractors allowed farmers to do more with less manpower. This freed up young people to pursue other opportunities, such as education and factory jobs in cities, shifting our workforce from mostly agricultural to industrial.

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panxproject profile image
Waleed Sadek

Don't be discouraged and keep in mind AI is nothing new, it's been around since the 60's. The web dev market is very saturated that's why competition is tough but don't give up. Build your portfolio, select a niche and you'll get there. Web development is always evolving and new tools and frameworks keep appearing. Me personally I run a tech agency and we still get clients asking us to build their websites every year the rate hasn't decreased. However it's always good to expand your knowledge in different tech paths like; DevOps, Cyber Security & Data analysis.

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redwrenb profile image
Red Wren

Thank you, that helps. Do you think it might be smart to consider those other tech paths in the meantime? Are they more in-demand rn for entry-level? Do they not require a degree?

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panxproject profile image
Waleed Sadek

From an employment prespective I think it's better to have a specialization in a skill thats highly in demand with lower competition like embedded systems or cyber security. If your end goal is to find a web dev job than it's best to develop deeper knowledge and more relevant work experience in that field and pick a niche(frontend,backend,UI/UX). If your goal is to be a generalist then you can jump between the different tracks.