[program_whiz]

Easy to cherry pick examples and counter-examples. See the luddites for counter-example. Artisans making high-quality textiles are no longer broadly in demand. Lots of pro examples too, I just don't find analogies helpful. It may be that like clothes, there's only so much need for software. We don't really need 1000 browsers or operating systems after all, 3 or 4 good ones is enough (and 90% of people use 1 or 2), despite there being free very good alternatives (unit costs 0, demand still low).

[sidpatil]

> It may be that like clothes, there's only so much need for software.

Clothing demand has increased greatly in the past decade due to fast fashion. Much of this clothing is designed to cost a few bucks, last a few wears, then get thrown out. It's an ecological disaster.

Maybe we'll see something similar happen with software — as production costs fall, trends will shift toward few-use throwaway software. I highly suspect this is already happening.

[program_whiz]

Sorry I meant -- only so much demand for people to produce clothing. the thesis "AI will not replace software engineers" could go the same way as textiles (or not). Massive demand for software, no need for developers. Same as I'm sure having AI art will probably increase the total consumption of art/music, but probably reduce the jobs for artists.

[robofanatic]

> trends will shift toward few-use throwaway software

software has worked this way since the rise of the internet and SaaS. consumers rarely need to install anything locally other than a browser.