The prototype Replit created for LinkedIn’s Reid Hoffman.
When LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman issued a bold challenge to an AI platform—to recreate LinkedIn from scratch—he didn’t expect a nearly complete prototype to land in his inbox within minutes.
But that’s exactly what happened.
In a single-prompt experiment using the AI coding platform Replit, Hoffman asked the AI to “clone LinkedIn.” The result? A fully functional web app prototype that stunned even the seasoned tech visionary.
“It’s a powerful reminder: with the right framing, today’s AI tools can turn a single idea into working software,” Hoffman wrote in a recent LinkedIn post.
🔧 Replit’s Role: Building Without Writing Code
The tool behind this prototype was Replit, an AI-powered development environment designed to let anyone build applications with minimal technical knowledge. Replit takes human instructions—written in plain English—and turns them into working code.
And that’s exactly what it did for Hoffman’s experiment. In seconds, it generated a functioning clone of LinkedIn, complete with UI components, user feeds, and authentication logic.
🧠 “Don’t Learn to Code”—A Radical Shift?
Hoffman’s experiment also echoed a controversial statement made earlier by Replit CEO Amjad Masad.
Masad recently argued that learning to code might soon be obsolete, thanks to AI’s rapid growth in generating software autonomously.
“I no longer think you should learn to code,” Masad said on X. “Learn how to think, learn how to break down problems, learn how to communicate clearly.”
Masad’s view was partly inspired by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who predicted that AI could be responsible for generating up to 90% of all code within the next six months.
🔮 What This Means for the Future of Tech
Reid Hoffman’s experiment wasn’t just a fun exercise—it was a signal. A signal that we’re approaching an era where creativity + prompt engineering > technical know-how.
The key takeaway?
In an AI-powered world, your ideas, problem-solving, and communication are your real superpowers.
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🚀 What Do You Think?
Do you believe AI will replace coding—or simply redefine it?
Have you tried building something with Replit, ChatGPT, or another AI tool?
👇 Join the conversation below!
We’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or predictions.
