If programmer numbers decrease it won't be as a result of running out of things to code or AI, it'll be as a result of market consolidation within a few, extrem

If programmer numbers decrease it won't be as a result of running out of things to code or AI, it'll be as a result of market consolidation within a few, extremely powerful firms who can squash most competitors like bugs. Like the US auto market - a once thriving ecosystem of fiercely competing innovative small businesses consolidated into 3 vertically integrated firms who now think innovation is building a slightly bigger truck. Of course, they'll probably blame it on AI coz a story about the inevitable march of technological progress invites less government oversight of the abuse of market power, and we will no doubt be plied with plausible sounding stories to that effect.