GoKawiilHacker News thread asks if pre-AI coding jobs still exist
A Hacker News user posted an 'Ask HN' thread seeking companies where developers still write code manually rather than relying on LLM-based coding agents. The poster, currently between contracts, says they would rather change careers entirely than manage AI agents, and asked the community whether such traditional workplaces still exist.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The post captures a growing tension in software engineering as AI coding tools become standard practice, leaving some experienced developers feeling alienated from their craft. It highlights a real anxiety in the job market: whether resisting AI-assisted workflows is now a career liability rather than a personal preference.
- A developer publicly questioned whether jobs without AI-assisted coding still exist
- The poster prefers a career change over managing coding agents
- The thread reflects broader unease about AI's reshaping of software engineering roles
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.
See The Pragmatic Programmer, 20th Anniversary Edition on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: news.ycombinator.com, 2026-09-09
Published there as: “Ask HN: Anyone still coding like 2021? Where do you work?”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.