Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Computer-programming employment fell steeply after the introduction of ChatGPT and has returned to its lowest level since 1980.

Tech workers are increasingly worried that the artificial intelligence they are building will replace them. But some are optimistic that it is just one more tool to work with.

Companies have cut back on computer programmer hiring in most subspecialties—but not all. That’s an insight that leads to more questions, such as whether businesses’ technical debts will drive a job ...