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Software engineers will always be important because AI models cannot be held accountable for code.
Addy argues that while AI can write code, human engineers are essential for accountability, similar to how code ownership works in large projects like Chromium. ✦ AI generated
Addy Osmani · The Pragmatic Engineer · 2026-08-19 · original ↗
Addy believes software engineers will always be important because an AI model cannot be accountable. Accountability for code and software is possible even if the accountable party didn't write the code, as is the case in projects like Chromium, where designated engineers own parts of the codebase. They're responsible for approving and rejecting contributions, and for shaping that part of the codebase. Addy reckons that a “what am I accountable for?” mindset will be adopted by many software engineers.
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- ·Software engineers remain essential
- ·Accountability requires a responsible party
- ·AI models cannot be held accountable
- ·Designated engineers own parts of codebases
- ·They approve or reject contributions
- ·Engineers shape that part of the codebase
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