A viral graph showing a 70% decline in software development roles since their peak has sparked major panic across tech circles.
I read through some of the comments on Josh post and gained insight that helped me draw a conclusion. But before we break into a digital riot, let’s understand what really caused this drop.
What might have caused the decline
During the pandemic, tech hiring exploded. Everyone needed an app, a website, or some sort of digital service.
Fast forward to 2024–2025, the rush is over, budgets are tighter, and the industry is adjusting. What we’re seeing is less of a collapse and more of a correction.
The AI scapegoat
With ChatGPT and AI tools getting smarter by the day, it’s easy to blame them for stealing dev jobs. Sure, AI can write and review code, but let’s not kid ourselves it can’t yet deal with weird client requests, messy old codebases, or office politics disguised as Jira tickets.
AI is an assistant not an assassin
The fear of AI completely replacing programmers is overblown. Right now, it’s a powerful assistant, not a full replacement.
The smart move? Learn to work with AI, not against it. Think of it like Iron Man with JARVIS, you’re still the hero, just enhanced.
The Bootcamp bubble and resume overload
Another factor? The surge of bootcamp grads and self-taught devs entering the field during the remote work era.
Great for ambition, but it also flooded the market with junior devs many of whom lacked real-world experience. Recruiters got overwhelmed, and quality started to matter more than quantity.
What is the future of coding?
It’s bright for the right kind of coder. Developers who can blend human creativity, problem solving, and AI tools will thrive.
It is no longer enough to “just know how to code.” You need to understand systems, people, and how to communicate ideas across both.
Conclusion: Evolve or be replaced (by the guy who knows AI)
AI is not killing programming it is evolving it. The devs who win will be those who treat AI as a power-up, not a threat. Adapt, specialize, and stay curious. Your job’s not gone it’s just upgrading.
