Articles of the Week
What the tech crowd is writing out there
Hey folks! I’m here to bring you some exciting news. You know our beloved "Weekly Coffee Articles"? Well, we decided to broaden our horizons and create a new group of articles. Instead of sticking only to news and analysis from official outlets and corporations, we’re going to bring you some recommendations of articles written by those who are really hands-on—tech folks who live the day-to-day of technology. After all, who better to talk about the challenges and novelties of the tech world than those on the front lines, right?
You are an absolute moron for believing in the hype of "AI Agents"
Austin Starks isn’t joking when he says that believing in the hype of "AI Agents" is a bit crazy. He argues that, despite all the noise around autonomous AI agents, the reality is that they’re still far from being practical. He points out issues like the lack of smaller and more efficient models, the accumulation of errors, and the explosive costs associated with using larger models. Additionally, he criticizes the idea that AI agents can replace operations teams, suggesting that any company trying this will likely go bankrupt within two years.
You know what? I agree with Austin. AI is amazing, but we need to keep our feet on the ground. We can’t think it’s going to solve everything like magic. We’re still far from having AI agents that can truly work on their own in the real world. And the costs? My friend... If you’ve played around with GPT-4 on something more complex, you already know: the bill comes, and it’s not pretty. So, before we go around saying AI agents are going to take over everything, let’s calm down a bit, okay?
Web Components Will Kill JavaScript Frameworks (Eventually)
Ferid Brković makes a passionate defense of Web Components and pure JavaScript, suggesting that they could eventually replace the JavaScript frameworks we love (or hate). He argues that frameworks like React and Vue, while useful, come with issues like "lock-in," performance drops, and unnecessary complexity. On the other hand, Web Components, being native to the browser, offer a lighter, more modular, and interoperable alternative.
Look, I’ll be honest: I’m still a bit skeptical about this whole idea that frameworks are going to disappear. React, Vue, and all these folks are so deeply ingrained that it’s hard to imagine the world without them. But I have to admit, this Web Components idea is really tempting. Imagine: create a component once and use it anywhere, without compatibility headaches. It would be a dream! Maybe Web Components won’t kill frameworks, but they’ll definitely make us rethink a lot of things.
MVPs and MVEs are Dead. Build a MAC.
Jano le Roux is here to tell us that MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and MVEs (Minimum Viable Experiences) are outdated. Instead, he proposes the concept of MAC (Minimum Automated Concept), which is basically an automated system that proves people are willing to pay for your product. He argues that MVPs and MVEs are too focused on vanity metrics like signups and clicks, while MAC puts revenue front and center.
I liked the MAC idea, but I think he was a bit harsh on MVPs. They still have their value, especially for startups that need to validate ideas quickly. But I agree that, at the end of the day, what really matters is whether people are willing to pay for what you’ve made. And MAC seems to go straight to the point. The coolest part is the automation: creating something that works on its own and generates money while you sleep. Who wouldn’t want that, right?
LEGO Lessons in React: When My 5-Year-Old Made Me Rethink Component Design
Daniel Llach had a moment of enlightenment while watching his 5-year-old daughter play with LEGO. He realized that the best component designs in React follow the same principle as LEGO blocks: simple pieces that can be combined in endless ways. He criticizes the trend of creating overly complex and bloated components, suggesting that simplicity and modularity are the keys to effective component design.
This article made me laugh and think at the same time! How many times have we created components so complex that we even get lost? The LEGO comparison is brilliant. Components should be like LEGO: easy to understand, fit together, and reuse. Sometimes we need the simplicity of a child to see the obvious, right? Maybe it’s time to simplify our code and stop reinventing the wheel all the time.
How AI-assisted coding will change software engineering: hard truths
Addy Osmani from Google shares some hard truths about the use of AI in software engineering. He talks about the "70% problem," where AI can take you 70% of the way, but the last 30% is the hardest and requires human knowledge. He also discusses how AI can speed up development but won’t replace the need for experienced engineers to ensure the code is maintainable, secure, and efficient.
This article is like a reality check for those who think AI is going to replace everyone. In reality, AI is an incredible tool, but it’s not magic. We still need experienced developers to guide AI, fix the mistakes it makes, and ensure the final code is good. The biggest takeaway? AI isn’t going to take our jobs, but it can make us work much better—if we know how to use it correctly.
AI is killing apps and Microsoft is loving it
Tari Ibaba makes a bold prediction: autonomous AI agents are going to kill the app industry. He argues that many apps will become obsolete as AI agents offer more personalized and efficient solutions. He gives examples of how apps like Duolingo could be replaced by AI agents that create fully personalized learning experiences.
Look, I think Tari is partly right. AI is going to change how we use apps a lot, and some might even become history. But I think he’s underestimating the value of the data and structure these apps already have. Think about Spotify and Tinder: they have something no AI agent can easily copy—user data. So yes, AI is going to change the game, but kill all apps? I don’t think so. Only those that can’t adapt.
So, what did you think of this selection? These are some very interesting topics about the future of technology, whether it’s AI, web development, or software engineering. There’s still a lot to talk about, but one thing is certain: the future looks promising! And there’s going to be a lot of AI along the way, you can bet on that.
