Simon Willison's blog offers a mix of technical tutorials, data analysis projects, and reflections on technology and society. With a focus on Python, SQL, and web development, Simon shares insights into building web applications, working with data, and exploring emerging technologies. Developers can learn about data visualization, API design, and software engineering best practices, gaining inspiration and practical knowledge to advance their careers.

Simon Willison

Software developers are experiencing psychological distress and existential dread about AI's impact on their careers—a phenomenon now termed "Deep Blue" (coined on the Oxide and Friends podcast). The term references the 1997 chess match where Deep Blue defeated Garry Kasparov. Many developers who spent years building expertise feel their skills are being devalued as coding agents like Claude Opus 4.5/4.6 and GPT-5.2/5.3 can now produce working, tested software autonomously. While this anxiety is real and causing genuine mental anguish in developer communities, the author argues that accumulated experience hasn't gone to waste—developers remain valuable even as AI handles syntax and routine coding tasks.

Deep Blue

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<p>All of the chess players and the Go players went through this a decade ago and they have come out stronger.</p>
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<p>I think this is a bad analogy. That’s like saying olympic 100m dashers are not impacted by the invention of faster cars. It’s true but it’s also unhelpful.</p>
