Carson Gross: Programming profession will retain its value in the age of artificial intelligence

Summary

Carson Gross argues that programming remains a valid profession in the age of artificial intelligence. His rationale is that programming is fundamentally about problem-solving with computers and managing the complexity of solutions. This short quote was compiled by Simon Willison and published on his blog.

Why it matters

As AI coding tools rapidly transform software development, the question of whether programming will survive as a profession has become one of the most pressing issues for millions of developers and students. Gross's framework bases the value of the profession on problem-solving and complexity management rather than merely generating syntax. This approach offers a useful mental model for distinguishing durable skills from tasks that can be automated. It also reflects the ongoing debate over whether AI supports or replaces human engineers.

Highlights

• Programming is defined by two core skills: problem-solving with computers and controlling solution complexity
• According to Gross, there is no reasonable future scenario in which the value of these skills diminishes due to AI tools
• The argument positions the programmer's role as managing complexity rather than writing code line by line

Critical take

The text is essentially just a single optimistic quote. There is no supporting evidence, no engagement with counterarguments, and no concrete distinction regarding which aspects of programming AI will absorb and which it will not. A tautology goes unnoticed: if AI tools are already computers, the definition of 'problem-solving with computers' automatically remains valid. This situation proves very little about whether the human role in the loop retains its economic value or employment volume.