The article addresses concerns about the future of coding careers amidst layoffs and the rise of AI, emphasizing that while fears of job displacement are prevalent, AI can enhance human creativity and productivity. The author encourages programmers to adapt by focusing on context mastery, problem-solving, and maintaining their own curiosity, ultimately viewing AI as a tool for amplification rather than replacement.

Writing toy programs is a valuable way to enhance understanding of software development and rekindle joy in coding. The author emphasizes the importance of simplicity and experimentation in creating these projects, which can lead to significant learning and insight applicable to professional work. A list of various toy projects, along with their difficulty ratings and time estimates, illustrates the potential benefits of engaging in such creative coding endeavors.

Writing toy programs is an effective way to deepen understanding of software development and rekindle joy in the craft, especially in an era where AI and commodification threaten its artistry. By keeping projects simple and avoiding over-engineering, developers can explore complex concepts while benefiting from practical experience. The author shares a list of toy projects along with their difficulty ratings and time estimates to inspire others to engage in this practice.

Amazon design technologist Maksim Surguy uses coding to create unique artwork, blending his passion for art with technology. His work not only inspires his creative pursuits but also influences product development at Amazon, including dynamic art features for Fire TV.

Polish programmer Przemysław Dębiak, known as "Psyho," narrowly defeated OpenAI's AI model in a 10-hour coding marathon at the AtCoder World Tour Finals 2025, scoring 1.8 trillion points to the AI's 1.65 trillion. This competition, highlighting the tension between human creativity and AI efficiency, was seen as a significant moment for human achievement in programming.

The article discusses the author's reluctance to use AI for coding, emphasizing that writing code is a cognitive process that fosters deeper understanding and mental models. The author expresses concerns about the impact of generative AI on the craft of programming, the future of coding, and the quality of content on the web. Ultimately, the author values traditional coding practices over AI-generated solutions for personal and professional reasons.