Microsoft(US:MSFT) 猿大侠·2025-05-18 04:00Core Viewpoint - Microsoft's recent layoffs have significantly impacted software engineering roles, particularly within the Faster CPython team, which was responsible for major performance improvements in Python [1][4][5]. Group 1: Layoff Details - Over 40% of the 2,000 layoffs in Washington state were in software engineering roles, with nearly 600 positions in product management and technical project management also affected [1]. - Key members of the Faster CPython team, including Eric Snow, Irit Katriel, and Mark Shannon, were among those laid off [4][5][7]. - The layoffs included the AI director Gabriela de Queiroz, raising concerns about the company's commitment to its AI initiatives [13][15]. Group 2: Impact on Python Development - The Faster CPython team, led by Guido van Rossum, aimed to enhance Python's performance significantly, with a goal to increase speed by five times over four years [3][4]. - The team contributed to various performance improvements in recent Python versions, including specialized interpreters and garbage collection optimizations [4]. - The departure of core contributors raises questions about the future of Python development at Microsoft and the potential dissolution of the Faster CPython team [7][11]. Group 3: Reactions and Industry Implications - The layoffs have sparked confusion and sadness among employees, with many expressing disbelief over the decision to cut key roles in AI and software engineering [16]. - There are concerns that advancements in AI may reduce the demand for human coders, although the layoffs contradict this narrative by also affecting AI leadership [16]. - Microsoft's stated reason for the layoffs is part of a broader organizational change aimed at maintaining competitiveness and flexibility, unrelated to employee performance [16].