#194: Evolution, not extinction: why developers still matter in the age of AI

Pybites Podcast

In this episode, we dive into AI’s impact on software development with Matt Makai, VP of Developer Relations at DigitalOcean and creator of Full Stack Python.

We explore how AI tools are changing coding workflows—from elite devs like Miguel Grinberg and Armin Ronacher to Matt’s own work on the AI-powered PlushCap app. While some see friction, others embrace AI as a co-pilot. Matt shares why staying hands-on with code is key for tech leaders, and why, despite the hype, AI won’t replace developers—it’ll just reshape how we work.

Connect with Matt on socials:

X: https://x.com/fullstackpython

Github: https://github.com/mattmakai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmakai/

Matt's projects:

Plushcap: https://www.plushcap.com/

Full Stack Python: https://www.fullstackpython.com/

DigitalOcean: https://www.digitalocean.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/digitalocean

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Blogs mentioned:

https://blog.miguelgrinberg.com/post/why-generative-ai-coding-tools-and-agents-do-not-work-for-me

https://lucumr.pocoo.org/2025/6/12/agentic-coding/

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Chapters

1. Software Developers Are Here to Stay (00:00:00)

2. Matt's Journey and Developer Workflows (00:06:45)

3. DigitalOcean and Infrastructure for Developers (00:13:20)

4. From Full-Stack Python to PlushCap (00:16:45)

5. Building PlushCap: Technical Challenges (00:22:30)

6. Miguel vs Armin: AI Coding Debates (00:31:35)

7. The Future of Software Development (00:36:30)