Why We've Tried to Replace Developers Every Decade Since 1969
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Software development has faced recurring attempts to reduce or eliminate the need for specialized developers, from COBOL in the 1960s through CASE tools, visual programming environments, low-code platforms, and now AI coding assistants. Each wave promised to democratize software creation by making it accessible to
Table of contents
The Pattern That Frustrates EveryoneThe Dream Was Born During Humanity’s Greatest AchievementCOBOL: Business People Will Write Their Own ProgramsThe 1980s: CASE Tools Will Generate EverythingVisual Basic and Delphi: Drag, Drop, DoneThe 2000s and Beyond: Web Frameworks, Low-Code, and No-CodeWhy the Dream PersistsAI: The Latest Chapter in a Long StorySo Much Opportunity, Still StrugglingWhat This Means for LeadersThe Pattern Reveals the Problem’s NatureMoving Forward with Clear EyesThe Dream Serves a PurposeContactNewsletterSort: