I like to think of a simple thought experiment when these types of arguments come up: Suppose you want some video game to exist. The most amazing, expansive, ground-breaking video game ever made. There are only two scenarios:
1. AI can replace coders altogether. In this case we live in an absolutely amazing world in which anyone can conjure the video game of their dreams instantly.
2. AI cannot do this, in which case there is still (clearly) an essentially infinite demand for new software.
Obviously, we do not live in world number 1. If we have arrived at the world in which AI can do the job of all coders, then why is there not an infinite supply of high quality software? In fact, this would be a software utopia.
World #1 would probably replace all other kinds of jobs. A part of programming, sure, is about languages, syntax, fixing bugs, functionality, etc. But the other part is about robustness, organization, and simplification. This other part won't die.
1. AI can replace coders altogether. In this case we live in an absolutely amazing world in which anyone can conjure the video game of their dreams instantly.
2. AI cannot do this, in which case there is still (clearly) an essentially infinite demand for new software.
Obviously, we do not live in world number 1. If we have arrived at the world in which AI can do the job of all coders, then why is there not an infinite supply of high quality software? In fact, this would be a software utopia.