Coding for Kids
AI replacing coders is a hot topic, and with good reason. This is a real concern, but don’t worry – we are going to take a look at just how valid this fear is and how AI might change the jobs of Software Engineers, if at all.
A recent study conducted by OpenAI found that 47% of all work tasks could be affected by Artificial Intelligence as its use in companies rises. Does that mean robots are coming for our jobs, specifically software engineering jobs, AI replace programmers? Let’s find out.
Table Of Contents:
Will AI Replace Coders Entirely?
People all the time hear about AI replacing programmers. However, many experts agree that, for the time being, artificial intelligence will probably not completely replace software development engineers. Programming requires a high degree of creativity, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a decent level of abstract thought for software development.
These are all things AI is not quite capable of yet. Instead of thinking about how AI will eliminate coder jobs, think of it more like a helpful sidekick – like Batman and Robin (if Batman was a computer programmer, in this instance).
As one example, Jonathan Burket, Senior Engineering Manager at Duolingo, said that using AI tools to perform mundane, time-consuming tasks such as writing up code documentation has made his work 25% faster to write code.
How AI Might Reshape Coding
However, that’s not to say things won’t change in the world of coding at all because of AI tools. AI writing code is already making big changes. One big change is to replace human AI coders in terms of performing repetitive, time-consuming coding tasks.
Let’s look at some ways Artificial Intelligence could change the coding landscape for Software Engineers:
Increased Productivity and Efficiency
According to a study by McKinsey, 60%-70% of work activities that knowledge workers, like Software Engineers, engage in on a daily basis, can be automated through AI technologies. This increased level of efficiency with Software developers will free up more Software Engineers to concentrate their efforts on bigger projects, innovation and more high level problem-solving.
It can also relieve a large portion of their workload. Imagine AI replacing programmers who write code for the same type of function over and over—eventually, it becomes monotonous and boring.
Automating Repetitive Tasks
These are exactly the types of tedious coding jobs Artificial Intelligence can handle – writing code for common, repetitive functions and algorithms. Software Engineers could instead spend this newfound free time concentrating their efforts elsewhere. This also cuts back on human error with better AI tools.
Real-Time Feedback and Bug Detection
There’s nothing worse than getting a huge chunk of code written and trying to debug it (especially when on a tight deadline). Imagine a world where AI tools can provide feedback on code, spot errors, find vulnerabilities, and check compatibility in real-time.
No more sifting through endless lines of code at 3 a.m. – instead you’d just have minor changes to make based on instant feedback. This would free up tons of time and stress for Software Engineers with access to these AI tools.
A Shift in Required Skills
Think of Software Engineers who refuse to learn new skills as the Blockbuster employees who said, “Nah, I’m good” when Netflix emerged (we all know what happened there.). With the rapid evolution of the coding world and AI’s growing role in it, software engineers and software developers will need to evolve, as well.
Upskilling and uptraining are critical to keep pace. This may include becoming well-versed in machine learning, AI algorithms, understanding various data structures and more – those who adapt will excel. Instead of just focusing on pure coding abilities, other critical soft skills include problem-solving, communication and creative thinking.
If they adapt, this means AI replacing coders in the sense of performing simple, mundane coding tasks. Coders can, instead, take on roles where more thought, analysis, critical thinking and creative problem-solving is required.
Emergence of New Roles
While AI will transform some aspects of Software Engineering, the McKinsey Global Institute has even predicted AI could result in the creation of almost 9 million brand new jobs by the year 2030. Many of these jobs didn’t even exist before – like an ML-Ops Engineer or AI Product Manager.
This suggests a demand for people skilled in AI development and its various other components will rise. Someone is going to have to design, refine, update and oversee all of this Artificial Intelligence, right?
The Demand for AI Specialists will Skyrocket
As Artificial Intelligence integrates into our lives even more so, Software Engineers with specialized skills will be in increasingly high demand to make this happen. As this demand for specialized individuals grows, it is very possible their salaries will rise steadily, as well.
This creates a win-win for employees and a continuous push to grow AI to help more businesses and people be more efficient. Natural language processing is one area within AI that will likely be in very high demand in the coming years, with generative AI.
Conclusion
AI replacing coders is a hot topic among Software Engineers. However, rather than viewing Artificial Intelligence as an existential threat to Software Engineering, it is far more helpful and productive to approach AI replacing coders from the standpoint that it will assist humans in improving their everyday jobs by shouldering some of their daily workload.
Hence, it is important to continue teaching our children programming skills using platforms like Tynker. This is crucial for developing high levels of creativity, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a strong grasp of abstract thinking, all of which are essential for software development. AI currently lacks these abilities.
