We're hiring quite a bit at Flare these days, so I spend a few minutes each day on LinkedIn to scout candidates. It seems that the algorithm has decided that endless posts describing the downfall of the junior developers in the face of machine learning are going to capture my engagement. I guess it's not wrong in a sense, as it has compelled me to explain exactly why LLMs won't be replacing the junior developers in my team anytime soon.
Learning and Growth Require Real Experience
Junior developers aren't here just to ship code. They're learning how to think critically, solve complex problems and collaborate with the team. My AI assistant might write a function given a decent prompt, but it won't be as useful when debugging production, communicating technical ideas, or adapt to ever-changing project requirements. I can't overstate how happy it makes me when I give an assignment to a junior developer and instead of coming up with a flawed merge request, they come back with a question instead.
Context Matters
LLMs are great at generating snippets of code, but they lack the full context of a project's architecture, business logic, and long-term goals. Junior developers, on the other hand, learn the nuances of the codebase, understand why certain design decisions were made, and can make informed contributions that align with the bigger picture. I don't value junior developers as code monkeys, but rather as wielders of a fresh pair of eyes with which to look at a problem.
Over-Reliance on AI Can Be Risky
Using LLMs as a crutch can lead to complacency. Developers, especially those early in their careers, need to understand why code works, not just what code to write. Developing these habits is what allows them to grow into competent senior developers. If juniors skip the learning process and rely solely on AI-generated solutions, they miss out on developing critical problem-solving skills. It's like using a calculator without ever learning basic math. Sure, you might get an answer, but it all breaks down when confronting changing requirements and a nuanced playground. When building products, this basically means all the time.
Junior Developers Bring Long-Term Value
Investing in junior developers isn't just about the present, it's about the future. Today's juniors are tomorrow's leaders. By nurturing their growth, you're building a team that understands your product deeply, values continuous improvement, and can mentor the next generation. More senior developers also gain a lot by having junior members in the team. Flexing those mentoring muscles and learning how to become a multiplier in a team, instead of being a single contributor, is how developers unlock greater potential.
Final Thoughts
LLMs are powerful tools, and I encourage my team to explore them as a way to enhance productivity. But they're just that—tools. They can't replace the curiosity, growth potential, and human connection that junior developers bring.
If you're interested in fostering an environment where junior developers can thrive, we're currently hiring a lead for our platform team. Send me a message and I'll be happy to chat about building an engineering culture where humans are at the center of everything.
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