This article explores key insights for building a long programming career. It emphasizes the importance of trying various programming disciplines, finding joy in work, and avoiding rigid productivity measures. The author encourages learning from different fields and recognizing the distinction between work and career.

The author reflects on the decline of traditional programming as AI tools take over coding tasks. He addresses the emotional impact on seasoned developers, highlighting a sense of loss for the artistry and satisfaction of coding by hand. The piece invites readers to mourn the craft that defined their careers.

The author expresses concern over the increasing enforcement of AI tools like Copilot in programming, arguing that it transforms programmers into mere approvers of AI-generated code rather than creative contributors. This shift not only threatens the integrity of the profession but also places the responsibility for errors solely on programmers, even as they rely on AI assistance. The article questions the motivations behind making AI usage mandatory and the implications for the future of programming as a craft.