Don’t Learn React First, If You Want a Dev Job in 2026

Summary

In this video, Uncle Steph emphasizes the evolving role of developers, highlighting how AI is reshaping the industry. He explains that junior developers should focus on combining traditional development with AI, rather than sticking to outdated technologies like React or Node.js. AI-assisted development and AI-first approaches are key to staying relevant in today’s job market. Uncle Steph shares his mentoring experiences and offers advice on leveraging AI tools for building applications quickly and effectively, stressing the importance of understanding software fundamentals to guide AI. He believes this is the biggest opportunity for developers since the rise of the web in 1995.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI is not replacing developer jobs but is changing the way software is built.
• 😀 Junior-level developers should focus on AI-augmented development and AI-first development, rather than just mastering older technologies like React and Node.js.
• 😀 Understanding the fundamentals of coding (language constructs, server vs. client, databases, etc.) is essential, even in the AI-driven age.
• 😀 AI tools can assist in building software faster, but human control over AI is necessary to avoid poor results.
• 😀 Combining traditional development with AI, no-code, and low-code platforms can accelerate project delivery.
• 😀 Real-world product development should focus on getting a quick prototype to market for feedback, rather than spending excessive time refining it first.
• 😀 Early adopters of new technology—like AI in development—will have a significant competitive advantage in today’s software industry.
• 😀 The greatest opportunity for developers since the 1990s is in AI-assisted and AI-first development.
• 😀 Aspiring developers should embrace AI tools while still mastering the basics of software development to stay relevant in the field.
• 😀 Low-code platforms like WordPress, when combined with AI, can enable rapid product development, even for SaaS businesses.
• 😀 Instead of specializing in outdated technologies or tools, focus on learning where the demand is heading—specifically towards AI and modern development stacks.

Q & A

What is the main point being made about junior developer jobs?

Junior developer jobs are not disappearing, but the nature of the role is evolving. The key to staying relevant is integrating traditional development skills with AI technology.

What are the two key tracks in modern software development mentioned in the script?

The two key tracks are 'AI-augmented traditional development' and 'AI-first development.' Both areas focus on combining traditional coding skills with AI tools to create more efficient development processes.

Why are the fundamentals of software development still important in the age of AI?

The fundamentals, such as understanding the basics of coding and logic, are crucial because they allow developers to guide AI effectively. Without these skills, developers may struggle to control AI outputs, leading to poor results.

What is the 'cheat code' for getting into a junior developer role today?

The 'cheat code' is not focusing solely on traditional skills like React or algorithms, but instead learning where the industry is heading. The demand is shifting towards AI-augmented and AI-first development.

How does AI-augmented development benefit developers?

AI-augmented development allows developers to accelerate the creation process by leveraging AI tools to assist in traditional development tasks, such as coding or building applications. This leads to faster product deployment and a greater ability to meet market demand.

What mistake do people often make when launching a new product, according to the speaker?

A common mistake is spending too much time perfecting the product before ever testing it in the market. Instead, developers should release a 'quick and dirty' version and let market feedback guide further development.

Why is understanding the 'fundamentals of coding' emphasized in the context of AI-assisted development?

Understanding coding fundamentals is crucial because it enables developers to control and refine AI outputs. AI may generate incorrect or nonsensical results, and without a solid understanding of development basics, developers may struggle to manage these outcomes.

What historical context is provided to help understand the current changes in software development?

The speaker compares the current shift towards AI in development to previous technological shifts, such as the transition from VB6 and C++ to web development. In each case, new technologies displaced old ones, and developers who embraced the change found success.

How has AI impacted the creation of SAS (Software as a Service) products?

AI has made it easier to build SAS products faster and more efficiently. For example, one person in the speaker's mentoring group created a SAS product in much less time by leveraging AI-assisted development, even deploying it in a WordPress environment.

What advice does the speaker give to aspiring developers or those entering the field?

Aspiring developers should focus on understanding the core fundamentals of software development while also embracing the new wave of AI-assisted and AI-first development. The market is shifting, and those who adapt to this change will have significant opportunities.