It is evolution, not replacement. Just like personal computers raised the baseline of required technical literacy rather than eliminating it, AI automates syntax generation and forces engineers to focus on architecture, system boundaries, and security from day one.
The replacement narrative ignores computing history. Better tools have always raised the minimum bar of technical competence, not lowered it.
Writing boilerplate becomes a commodity; understanding system architecture and failure modes becomes the actual filter.
When personal computers became widespread, the baseline for technical literacy rose significantly instead of killing operators. Do you see AI replacing engineers, or simply shifting the minimum baseline toward system design and operational trade-offs?
Software Engineers, what will you do if AI becomes better at coding than you?