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9 programming tasks you shouldn't hand off to AI - and why

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It's over. Programming as a profession is done. Just sign up for a $20-per-month AI vibe coding service and let the AI do all the work. Right?

Also: What is AI vibe coding? It's all the rage but it's not for everyone -- here's why

Despite the fact that tech companies like Microsoft are showing coders the door by the thousands, AI cannot and will not be the sole producer of code. In fact, there are many programming tasks for which an AI is not suited.

In this article, I'm spotlighting nine programming tasks where you shouldn't use an AI. Stay tuned to the end, because I showcase a 10th bonus reason why you shouldn't always use an AI for programming. Not to mention that this could happen.

1. Complex systems and high-level design

Here's the thing. Generative AI systems are essentially super-smart auto-complete. They can suggest syntax, they can code, and they can act as if they understand concepts. But all of that is based on probabilistic algorithms and a ton of information scraped from the web. Contextual intelligence is not a strength. Just try talking to an AI for a while, and you'll see them lose the thread.

Also: 10 professional developers on vibe coding's true promise and peril

If you need to produce something that requires substantial understanding of how systems interact, experience to make judgment calls about trade-offs, understanding of what works for your unique needs, and consideration of how everything fits with your goals and constraints, don't hire an AI.

2. Proprietary codebases and migrations

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