Summary & Key Takeaways ​

• Simon Willison reflects on the changing nature of programming due to AI coding agents.
• He quotes Jeremy Scheff on the loss for programmers who enjoyed solving 'tricky little logic puzzles.'
• The article contrasts the experience of puzzle-solving programmers with those who focus on building systems.
• It explores the real impact of LLMs on the enjoyment and definition of a programming career.
• The piece serves as a commentary on the evolving developer experience in the AI era.

Our Commentary ​

Simon Willison's 'Obituary for Programming' really hit me. The idea that AI is taking away the 'tricky little logic puzzles' that made programming so enjoyable for many of us is a tough pill to swallow. I've always loved the problem-solving aspect, and if agents are just churning out the solutions, what's left? It's a half-formed thought, but there's something unsettling about the potential loss of that intellectual challenge. We're gaining efficiency, but at what cost to the craft?