#DEVDiscuss: What's the Future of Careers in Web Dev?

I don't think AI will take over web development any time soon. With better low-code tools comes more need for tailored solutions for specialized software, while more generic web development moves from WordPress to generated code.

Gaining skills outside of web dev may be a good idea generally, because this industry thrives on synergies with different specialties, but it's not strictly necessary, I don't think.

I would also recommend sticking with a specialty, rather than chasing the latest trend. Now is still a good time to start in ML, but I'd urge against forcing oneself to switch specialties into ML just because it's the big thing of the week. Find what makes your current specialties transform in the next decade and follow that path.

If that ends up being low-code tool maintenance, figure out how those tools work. If it's generative AI querying, toy around with those tools and figure out how to make it do exactly what you need it to with the most efficiency. And so on. Know what you expect to work on in five to ten years, and do that. Web dev is gonna stick around - we just may have to find out how exactly it works then.

Personally, I'm aging out of active development, so I'm mostly transitioning to architecture - communication and big picture designs. Whether that ends up implemented by developers or someone querying an AI makes little difference, then, but understanding what either should produce is still key.

Web dev seems to be the most promising programming domain after ML nowadays. If you are unsure whether mastering web development is a good career choice, then what is a good career choice?
For now, AI isn't good enough to replace developers. But with advancements, it will be able to do so. That's why you should do what you like, become an expert, and be ready to change. It will guarantee you a job for the next several years.
However, nobody knows what to expect in the long run. AI is rapidly growing, and complex work that used to be done only by humans may become automated. I feel like the solution is to go beyond being a programmer and start making products leveraging AI to build your business. Alternatively, create a team of passionate developers, or join one to enhance technologies together.
So yes, I believe developers should not only diversify their skill sets but go even further.

I am not very sure. I am having a terrible time finding a new React or Vue gig/perm role after my contract just ended. It feels like the twilight zone. I used to be able to do 20 interviews in a week easy and I am barely getting one which leads to nowhere. I am I sure if it is me, if it is the economy, I don’t know. I can’t even get a phone screen. It’s wild. I want to work. I’m branching out into AI and Data Science but I need a job sooner than later. 😪😥😭