Is learning java still worth it?

[u/jelly_sink]

With AI evolving so quickly, I'm wondering whether Java is still a good choice for someone planning a career in software development.

Will demand for java developers remain strong, or will AI significantly reduce programming jobs in the coming years?

I'd love to read your thoughts and experiences.

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[u/OopsStillScrolling]

AI tools now handle a lot of boilerplate, CRUD code, and routine bug fixes, which is exactly the work juniors traditionally did. Entry-level hiring has been weak since about 2023, though interest rates and post-pandemic over-hiring are also big causes, not just AI. Nobody can credibly predict 5-10 years out. Anyone claiming “programmers are finished” or “nothing will change” is guessing. I think programming jobs won’t vanish, but the job shifts toward design, debugging, reviewing AI output, and understanding systems on a deeper level.

[u/luisdrr → u/OopsStillScrolling]

Your analogy holds a lot of truth regarding what lies ahead for programming; I believe programmers will become more astute at reviewing code rather than just typing it out. However, having a solid command of the programming language will help accelerate the processes of code review and debugging.

[u/spacey02-]

This question gets asked on a daily basis

[u/8dot30662386292pow2]

So let's suppose AI becomes so good at writing code that humans barely need to touch it. Then I create a company that makes software. Do I hire:

• A person that is skilled programmer

• A person that can only ask stuff from AI?

Writing code is a tiny part of software engineering. You must learn so much more before you are considered good engineer.

[u/Deva-vrata]

It's not like it takes years to learn Java or even python or C, if you are a college student with time on your hand, it is probably better to learn it, than gooning in your dorm.

[u/NotXesa]

If anyone thinks they can build a reliable and scalable product while collaborating with other team members or even enter a project that has been going on for ages just using AI without actually knowing how a programming language works and how software architecture works, they are simply wrong and no one is willing to hire a profile like that.

[u/TheRealZambini]

The demand for engineers won't decline but the nature of the job will change. You'll be required to be more aware of the ecosystem and architect solutions that integrate aspects of the ecosystem to satisfy requirements.

With AI, the challenge will be to setup workflows that make it difficult for the model to write incorect code. That means repo instructions, skills, agent defintions, tooling, linting, static application security testing and code quality tools, unit testing, functional testing,, performance testing. If your stack is setup well you'll be able go from managing one agent to orchestrating dozens.

Learn these technologies and what they offer but you largely won't be doing the grunt work. Also, because of AI, these tools will evolve at a rapid pace and you wont be able to maintain expertise. You'll need to be aware, but not expert beecause AI will do the grunt work.

[u/Astroohhh]

how are you supposed to know if the AI is doing good code/practices/patterns if you didn't studied them prior? lmfao

[u/Yahia08]

Passing through the post, I have also been thinking about how AI has impacted SWE, DS, and DEng. it looks like we will step back to being BAs to talk the requirements to AI agents.