AI taking over coding is emotionally difficult for engineers, says OpenAI chairman

OpenAI introduced AI to the world, but now its own executives are feeling the impact. In a podcast, OpenAI chairman Bret Taylor said stepping away from writing code has been emotionally difficult as AI becomes capable of doing work that once defined software engineers. The tech industry has widely adopted AI, and its abilities are growing quickly. AI tools started off as something that could produce basic code but now have grown into systems that are capable of writing complete code, detecting bugs, and even fixing those bugs on their own. Though this is helping in increasing productivity, it is also causing experienced engineers to question their own role in this new scenario.

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Speaking on the Cheeky Pint podcast, Taylor said, ‘I am trying to get to a world where I’m not writing code.’ His comment reflects how OpenAI is preparing for a future in which engineers rely heavily on AI tools rather than writing every line of code themselves. At the same time, he admitted the shift is emotionally difficult. ‘It’s hard, emotionally, if that makes any sense. I have a hard time not caring,’ he said.

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Taylor explained that writing code was once something he deeply valued. For years, many developers took pride in crafting clean and thoughtful programs to solve complex problems. But he believes that sense of craftsmanship is now being challenged by systems capable of producing working software much faster.

He added that while he still cares about accuracy and reliability in software, he is trying to detach some of the emotional importance he once placed on personally writing the code.

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Taylor’s comments come at a time when AI systems are rapidly improving at programming tasks that once required skilled engineers. From generating code to identifying errors, such tools are already widely used across technology companies.

Boris Cherny, who built an AI coding agent at Anthropic, recently suggested that this shift could reshape engineering roles. According to him, coding itself may become less central to the job.

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‘I think today coding is practically solved for me, and I think it’ll be the case for everyone regardless of domain,’ Cherny said. ‘I think we’re going to start to see the title software engineer go away.’

Many developers believe engineers may increasingly focus on designing products, defining problems, and working with users, while AI handles much of the actual programming.

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Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile