Evaluating AI coding tools should prioritize junior developers over senior engineers, as they often produce better results due to their simpler coding approaches. Effective evaluations incorporate both qualitative and quantitative feedback, utilize real-time communication channels for insights, and emphasize authentic, unpolished learning experiences to enhance developer satisfaction and tool adoption.

The tech industry faces a significant crisis for junior developers, with job openings plummeting and many resorting to "vibe coding," a practice that relies on AI to generate code without learning fundamental programming skills. This trend risks producing a generation of pseudo-developers who lack the ability to debug, understand, or maintain their applications, ultimately making them vulnerable in a competitive job market. The reliance on AI tools has been shown to decrease productivity and create substantial technical debt, leading to a skills degradation crisis among new developers.