Ask HN: Anyone still coding like 2021? Where do you work?

2026-09-09 | original

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Why This Matters

A Hacker News "Ask HN" post captures a growing tension in software work: a developer who still writes code by hand, without AI agents, wonders whether any employer still values that approach. It matters because AI-assisted development has shifted from novelty to default expectation in many teams, turning a tooling preference into a career question. The post reflects real anxiety among experienced engineers about identity, autonomy, and hireability.

Key Takeaways

A developer out of contract work asks whether workplaces still exist that don't require managing AI coding agents.
The author accepts LLMs for research but rejects changing how they actually write software, and would consider leaving the field instead.
The question signals that AI-assisted coding is increasingly treated as a baseline job expectation, not an optional tool.

Worth a Look

The Pragmatic Programmer, 20th Anniversary Edition — For a developer who still wants to write code by hand and think through the craft, this classic is the perfect companion. It's all about the durable habits, judgment, and design instincts that no agent workflow can hand you. A great read while weighing your next move in the job hunt.

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I can close an eye on using LLMs for research only.

These days I feel I am the only one that hasn’t changed their way of writing software at all. I’d honestly switch careers rather than manage agents. But I’m currently out of work (contract ended) and wondering if there is still a sane place to work, or is it truly time to pivot to another career.

Explore topics: llms ask hn ai agents software development career pivot