How AI reshapes the craft of software engineering, with Yoav Tzfati

Listen to this episode from Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11) on Spotify. Patrick McKenzie is joined by AI researcher Yoav Tzfati to discuss “vibe coding” - using LLMs to delegate software engineering work to AI models. Yoav runs a bootcamp teaching programming novices to build full-stack web applications using AI, without them ever looking at code. Patrick and Yoav discuss the fundamental shift in software engineering, where humans increasingly act as product managers directing AI "junior engineers," and explore the implications for the future of programming careers and the democratization of software development.–Read full transcript here: www.complexsystemspodcast.com/how-ai-reshapes-software-engineering/–[Patrick notes: Complex Systems now produces occasional video episodes like this one!You can access them directly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@patio11podcast. My kids inform me that I’m supposed to tell you to like and subscribe.]–Links:Follow Yoav Tzfati: https://x.com/yoavtzfati Yoav's bootcamp: https://www.code-bloom.app/–Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:32) Defining vibe coding(01:35) The evolution of software engineering with LLMs(04:07) Practical applications of vibe coding(09:37) Teaching vibe coding to novices(18:30) Future of AI in software development(21:42) Discussing timelines and model capabilities(22:12) Flappy Bird and the evolution of game development(23:27) The impact of LLMs on software engineering(24:46) Future of coding and human roles(29:47) Monitoring and error handling in software(31:20) The role of LLMs in code review and maintenance(35:12) Wireframing and project management with LLMs(36:40) The future of software engineering careers(43:07) Practical tips for software engineers(44:38) Wrap