Why We've Tried to Replace Developers Every Decade

Every decade brings new promises: this time, we'll finally make software development simple enough that we won't need so many developers. From COBOL to AI, the pattern repeats. Business leaders grow frustrated with slow delivery and high costs. Developers feel misunderstood and undervalued. Understanding why this cycle persists for fifty years reveals what both sides need to know about the nature of software work.

We're still in that same fundamental situation. We have better tools—vastly better tools—but the thinking remains essential.

Perhaps the recurring dream of replacing developers isn’t a mistake. Perhaps it’s a necessary optimism that drives tool creation. Each attempt to make development more accessible produces tools that genuinely help. The dream doesn’t come true as imagined, but pursuing it creates value.

Thanks. My FOMO has really gone down.

Ref: Why We've Tried to Replace Developers Every Decade Since 1969