Developer Vi Saint argues that AI coding tools have transformed programming into a form of gambling. Since November 2025 when these tools became remarkably proficient, developers can now generate code that appears impressive but often contains subtle errors. The trivialization of codebase changes creates an intoxicating environment where understanding takes a backseat to output, making it easy to overlook fundamental flaws.

The author describes how AI coding has diminished the traditional satisfaction of programming. Previously, developers found fulfillment in figuring out clever solutions and understanding their codebase. Now, the process feels like mopping up after poorly connected components generated by an infinite plagiarism machine. This shift has left many developers questioning whether they're becoming more efficient or just pulling levers until they hit jackpot.

Despite these concerns, the author admits increased coding time and confidence in exploring