Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation in the software industry driven by AI, highlighting the emergence of "Cracked Engineers" and the rise of micro applications, which are reshaping the landscape of software development and employment dynamics in Silicon Valley [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: The Rise of Micro Applications - The software development barrier is significantly lowered, allowing non-coders to create personalized micro applications using AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT [2][5]. - Micro applications are characterized by their extreme verticality and immediate problem-solving capabilities, often lacking commercial intent [6][10]. - A notable example is Rebecca Yu, who created a restaurant recommendation app in just seven days without any technical background, showcasing the ease of development with AI assistance [6][8]. Group 2: The Emergence of "Cracked Engineers" - "Cracked Engineers" are defined as highly skilled, young professionals who leverage AI to maximize their productivity, often replacing entire development teams [4][16]. - The demand for these engineers is intensifying, with companies like Gradient canceling internship programs due to a lack of sufficiently skilled candidates [4][16]. - The productivity of these engineers is remarkable; for instance, one employee was able to complete a project in weeks that would have taken a community a year without AI support [20] [21]. Group 3: Changing Employment Dynamics - The competition among professional engineers is becoming fierce, with a shift towards hiring "super programmers" who can deliver exceptional results [4][16]. - The traditional middle layer of software developers is disappearing, leaving only those who can effectively utilize AI tools [3][23]. - There is a cultural shift where young engineers may adopt anti-social behaviors to fit the "Cracked" persona, raising concerns about communication and teamwork in the industry [21][23].

Core Insights - Anthropic's Claude Code is initiating a significant AI application wave, likened to the advent of generative AI [2] - The latest version, Claude Opus 4.5, allows non-technical users to easily build software, reshaping perceptions of AI capabilities [3] Group 1: AI Programming Revolution - The ease of "AI programming" is leading to a new wave of "micro-apps" and "super programmers" who can outperform entire teams [4][11] - Users are leveraging Claude Code for diverse tasks, from analyzing health data to developing personal software, democratizing software development [4][10] Group 2: User Experiences and Industry Impact - Users report significant productivity boosts, with some claiming a fivefold increase in efficiency due to Claude Code [8][21] - The tool's ability to autonomously run and access various applications marks a shift in user interaction with AI, providing a glimpse into future possibilities [9] Group 3: Changing Software Development Landscape - A new consumer habit is emerging where individuals create personalized "micro-apps" instead of relying on traditional SaaS solutions [12][13] - These micro-apps are characterized by their specific use cases and immediate problem-solving capabilities, shifting software from a purchased commodity to a self-made tool [14][16] Group 4: The Rise of "Cracked Engineers" - The term "Cracked Engineers" describes highly skilled software engineers who can leverage AI tools for exceptional output, leading to intense competition in the industry [17][20] - Companies are increasingly seeking these "super programmers," with some reporting that one individual can now produce work equivalent to a 15-person team [21][22] Group 5: Challenges and Concerns - The pursuit of "Cracked Engineers" raises concerns about the mental health and social behaviors of young engineers, as they may adopt unhealthy work habits to fit this mold [23][24] - Some founders are using the hiring of "Cracked Engineers" as a superficial solution to deeper business model issues [24]

硅谷正在疯抢一种被称为"Cracked Engineers"的新物种。 在AI淘金热笼罩下的湾区，传统的招聘逻辑正在失效。机器人初创公司Gradient的联合创始人J.X. Mo直 接取消了公司的实习生招聘计划。理由简单而残酷——没人足够"Cracked"。 在他看来，在AI辅助编程的时代，如果一个新人不够"Cracked"，不能如游戏高手般状态炸裂、技术精 湛且不知疲倦，就不配拥有一张工牌。 在AI把编程的门槛无限拉低的今天，全球软件行业正在迎来一场前所未有的两极分化。 一方面，编程的门槛正在无限降低。得益于Claude、ChatGPT等工具，不懂代码的普通人开始通过自然 语言构建极度个性化的"微应用"（Micro Apps），软件正在从一种需要购买的"商品"变成一种可以自制 的"工具"。 另一方面，专业工程师的竞争也愈发激烈。在硅谷，初创公司正在疯抢前文提到的"Cracked Engineers"（硬核工程师）。这群年轻人利用AI将个人产出放大至极限，试图以一人之力替代整个传统 开发团队。 人人可做的"微应用"：从"订阅SaaS"到"自制工具" 在很长一段时间里，如果你需要一个软件来解决特定问题，通常你会 ...