# Opinion: AI struggles to evaluate code maintainability, says developer

Digest AI · Agents & Tools · published 2026-09-22T12:11:09Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/opinion-ai-struggles-to-evaluate-code-maintainability-says-developer

## Summary

The author argues that current large language models are not trained to assess long‑term code maintainability because no immediate fitness function exists. Without a measurable reward signal, AI learns from the generally low‑quality code found in public repositories and often makes poor simplifications, such as splitting functions in ways that reduce clarity.

Relying on AI to write or read code, the piece warns, prevents developers from building the intuition needed to detect and fix architectural problems. The author predicts that some companies will start advertising “no‑AI” policies as a competitive edge, emphasizing that software engineering remains a domain where human expertise and responsibility are essential despite the efficiency gains AI can provide.

## Key points

- AI lacks a fitness function for long‑term code maintainability, so models cannot learn it.
- The author warns reliance on AI for writing or reading code erodes developer mastery.
- Predicts companies may adopt “no‑AI” policies as a competitive advantage.

## Why it matters

If AI tools cannot ensure maintainable code, software quality may decline and organizations could revert to “no‑AI” policies, affecting future tooling and hiring.

## Sources

1. [AI Has No Wisdom and Neither Will You](https://alexn.org/blog/2026/09/22/ai-has-no-wisdom-and-neither-will-you) (alexn.org, 2026-09-22)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Opinion: AI struggles to evaluate code maintainability, says developer", 22 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/opinion-ai-struggles-to-evaluate-code-maintainability-says-developer

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