AI Engineers: Debug or Be Left Behind

JUST IN: The pressure's mounting on AI engineers. If you can't debug, you're out. AI's bringing a new wave of developers who rely too much on automation, losing touch with essential troubleshooting skills.

Debugging: A Dying Art?

The heart of the issue isn't just the lack of debugging skills but the over-reliance on AI tools. AI can point out bugs, sure, but it doesn't replace a keen developer's eye. Felix Kebaya’s recent demo with Claude Code (Opus 4.7) highlights this perfectly. He breaks a poll app on purpose, five bugs deep. And guess what? The AI tracks them down.

From missing database updates to those pesky duplicate real-time subscriptions, AI does the dirty work. It even spots a division-by-zero error causing a NaN% display. But Kebaya hits the nail on the head: AI can't replace the human knack for spotting what’s wrong in the first place. Are we losing that intuitive skill?

Claude Code: The Silver Bullet?

Claude Code shines by mapping data flows and event chains across files. It’s a bit of a superstar for diagnosing issues, like mismatched localStorage keys and async/await problems. This helps competent debuggers get faster, making them look like superstars. But for those who lean on AI without solid skills, the gaps start showing. And just like that, the leaderboard shifts.

The real takeaway? AI tools like Claude Code are a double-edged sword. They illuminate where you’re lacking unless you’re already a top-tier debugger. So, why aren't more engineers embracing the challenge?

The Future Stakes

With over 80,000 subscribers keeping tabs on AI’s latest, the industry’s future is clear: adapt or get outpaced. Engineers who can't debug will find themselves sidelined. It’s not just about knowing what buttons to press. it’s about understanding the bigger picture.

So, where does this leave us? Should we fear AI's role in debugging, or embrace it as a tool to hone our skills? The answer's clear if you want to stay in the game. Adapt, learn, and debug, or watch from the sidelines as the labs scramble.