Claude makes big code changes feel easy, and scary
Fable, a Claude-based coding tool, was used to try moving an old Java 8 microservice to Java 25 in one pass. A whole Next.js app was also refactored with only two prompts. The tool produced what was requested and handled broad code changes.
That experience led to strong worry about where AI coding tools are heading and what they may do to developer work. With savings and an apartment in a home country, buying farmland for farming is being seriously considered as a personal fallback plan.
Key points
- Fable and Claude were used to try converting a Java 8 microservice to Java 25.
- A whole Next.js app was refactored with only two prompts.
- The AI tool appeared to deliver the requested code changes.
- The experience caused serious worry about the future of developer work.
- Buying farmland is being considered as a personal safety plan.
Quick term guide
- microservice
- A small separate service that handles one part of a larger app.
- refactored
- Changed the structure of code while trying to keep the same outside behavior.
- AI coding tools
- Programs like Claude, Cursor, or ChatGPT that write code for you when you describe what you want in plain language.
- AI coding tool
- Software that uses AI to help write, edit, or explain code.
- fallback
- When the first choice is unavailable, the system automatically switches to a backup option instead
- Solo developer
- An individual who handles all parts of creating a project or product alone.
- developers
- Developers are people who build software, apps, or websites.
- productivity
- How much useful work people or teams can get done with the same time and effort.