The Duct Taper

I started my first corporate job five months ago. A significant amount of time has been spent on navigating the bureaucratic chain of command, which leaves me with ample time to pursue personal projects. It’s somewhat ironic, given the effort and anxiety of my college days. This idleness, however, has prompted me to reflect on the state of tech work.

A dark cloud looms over the tech industry, driven by advancements in AI that are fundamentally reshaping the workflow of software developers. With tools like Copilot now responsible for nearly 50% of existing code, fewer personnel are required to maintain the daily operations of software pipelines. Large corporations have the incentive to push for full automation within software frameworks, minimizing the need for manual human involvement. While productivity gains at an individual level are undeniable, they come at a cost. I believe this trend will lead to more widespread layoffs in the near future.

In my view, software developers can be broadly categorized into two groups: pioneers and duct tapers. Pioneers are the ones who lay the groundwork for system design. They are often early adopters of new technologies, integrating or replacing existing frameworks to reduce operational costs and enhance the efficiency of pipelines.

Duct tapers are responsible for maintaining production systems and fixing bugs without reworking the underlying core technologies. In systems with well-designed core technologies, the need for duct taping is minimal or nonexistent. While duct tapers can be a “nice to have” for emergencies, they are not an essential role in an optimal system. The challenge lies in the fact that a significant proportion of developers fall into this category, and with the rapid advancement of AI, this role is likely to become obsolete.

Perhaps I’m painting an overly bleak picture of tech careers, but I genuinely believe mediocrity is no longer tolerable in the age of AI. To stay relevant, I believe the core skills are adaptability to new technologies, the ability to integrate building blocks, and the capacity to scale solutions. These are the traits that remain essential and continue to set individuals apart.

On a personal note, as I’m at the dawn of my career, I expect to spend some time climbing the corporate ladders, discovering and refining my craft. The goal is to be more than a duct taper, building a body of work that endures and stands the test of time.