Is the craft dead? Note

Is the craft dead?

The author begins by appreciating the traditional craftsmanship exemplified by Japanese woodworking and the personal workshop activities of his father, contrasting this hands-on creation with mass-produced items like IKEA furniture. Despite having coded professionally for 35 years, the author notes that modern computing systems remain overly complicated, with both machines and humans continuing to make errors. This persistent complexity is compared to historical technological shifts in programming, such as the transition from assembly language to C, and the introduction of tools like syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, and the widespread use of Stack Overflow-driven development.The core assertion is that genuine value still lies in good taste, craftsmanship, and sound human judgment, regardless of technological advancements. Building a cohesive system is described as analogous to interior design—a non-trivial task requiring skilled assembly. The author warns against being deceived by simplistic tools and "one-shot" software solutions, emphasizing that software development remains inherently difficult, even though developers are no longer constrained by input/output speed.He predicts significant future work involving cleaning up the "slop" created by rushed development. However, the author believes that for those who possess deep understanding, AI-augmented development promises incredible results. He is currently enjoying the learning process during this era shift, confirming that the underlying craft of software development endures.