YC
How AI Coding Agents Will Change Your Job
@ Y Combinator
05/09/25
Takeaways
TB
Tom Blomfield
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
If you're a potential founder thinking about starting something, there's never been a better time than today because you can achieve so much more than you could even last year.
TB
Tom Blomfield
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The rise of AI coding agents is akin to the impact of the combine harvester on agriculture, where fewer farmers are needed to produce more food, suggesting a similar trend in software engineering.
TB
Tom Blomfield
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
Coding agents are not perfect yet, but they are improving rapidly, and their adoption will have significant consequences for software engineering and knowledge work in general.
TB
Tom Blomfield
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
Many startup founders are already using AI coding tools, with a significant increase in adoption from 0% to about 25-50% in just a few months, indicating a shift in how software is developed.
TB
Tom Blomfield
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The argument that AI will never be good enough to write professional code is flawed; the rate of improvement in AI capabilities suggests that it will eventually be able to handle most coding tasks.
TB
Tom Blomfield
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
As the cost of software development decreases due to AI, the demand for software will likely increase, leading to a scenario where fewer human engineers are needed to meet that demand.
TB
Tom Blomfield
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
In the future, we may see a shift towards on-demand custom software, where users interact with AI to generate specific code solutions tailored to their needs, resulting in ephemeral programs that solve immediate problems. There will also be a demand for smart individuals who can effectively manage AI coding tools, and if we label them as software engineers, that's acceptable, but the nature of the job will be significantly different.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The first computer programmers worked with machine code and punch cards, which is vastly different from today's software engineering roles. The evolution of programming has led to better tools that allow humans to operate at a higher level, rather than just writing code.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The new wave of AI coding tools represents another layer of abstraction, enabling humans to act as higher-level agents rather than just code writers.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
In the future, as AI tools proliferate, the obsession with creating excellent products will still require a human touch, as programming an AI to have that level of dedication is a significant challenge.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
Today is an exceptional time to be a founder, as the capabilities of AI tools allow individuals to achieve more with less capital, leading to faster revenue growth for software ideas.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The integration of AI tools into various industries, including law and finance, is becoming essential for competitiveness, as companies are increasingly expected to leverage AI to enhance their operations.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The cost of knowledge work is decreasing due to AI, leading to greater accessibility and a potential consumer surplus, but this shift will require some job roles to adapt or change.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
Certain jobs, particularly those involving physical work, are likely to remain protected from AI disruption, as regulatory barriers may prevent AI from fully taking over these roles.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The transition to a future where AI plays a significant role in various industries may be rapid and painful, potentially displacing millions and causing societal turmoil for years.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
Founders should stay updated with the latest tools, as those who are at the forefront of adopting these technologies will have a competitive advantage and the potential for significant career growth.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
Identifying and solving human problems will be crucial for future founders, as the core of every successful business is to enhance human experiences.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
AI tools are enabling smaller software teams to accomplish what previously required larger teams, which will lead to improved product design and quality.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
05/09/25
@ Y Combinator
The current era is the best time in history to start a new venture, as many industries that were previously resistant to software adoption are now ripe for transformation due to AI advancements.