Software engineers in Seattle are excited about Claude Code, an advanced artificial intelligence tool from Anthropic that acts like a powerful coding partner and is driving a new phase in software development. At a recent meetup, more than 150 developers shared how Claude Code helps them tackle complex tasks, automate multi-step workflows, and think about their roles differently — shifting from writing every line of code to architecting solutions and validating AI-generated output.
Claude Code stands out because it can observe results, self-correct, and take follow-on actions without constant human instruction, making it more capable than earlier AI assistants that only suggested text. Developers showcased demonstrations such as automatically fixing frontend bugs by controlling a browser and using the tool for non-traditional tasks like generating personalised training plans from data. This reflects a broader shift toward “agentic” AI that can execute sequences of tasks rather than simply generate static responses.
Some programmers say the tool is changing how they view their jobs — elevating their focus from manual coding toward design, strategy, and higher-level problem solving. There’s also evidence that Claude Code’s influence extends beyond traditional development, energising engineers who haven’t engaged in tech meetups for years. Its rapid adoption and developer enthusiasm suggest that AI coding assistants are moving from niche add-ons to central parts of everyday software workflows.
At the same time, experts outside the event caution that AI-powered coding doesn’t eliminate the need for deep human judgment. While tools like Claude Code can automate generation and testing, deciding what to build and how to integrate solutions into larger systems remains a uniquely human challenge. Nevertheless, many see this evolution as the dawn of a new era in software development, where human creativity and AI automation work hand in hand.
