Will AI replace the need for software

developers?
Do software developers still have a future?

The rapid rise of ChatGPT and arrival of generative AI into the mainstream has
sparked a lot of speculation about the future of coding.

Is it still practical to invest in learning how to code? Will we still need

programmers in 5, 10, or 20 years? Will AI eventually replace software developers
altogether?

In the short term, I firmly believe that AI is poised to support developers — not
displace them. Developers are already finding countless clever ways to leverage
tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot to become more efficient and productive.
And as the founder of an e-learning platform, I am also very interested in how
generative AI can help people learn new skills.

The question isn’t “if” AI will impact how we work, create, and learn new skills
moving forward. The question is "how."

Platforms like Duolingo and Khan Academy are already incorporating AI, via
GPT-4, into their learning content. At Educative, we are embracing this trend —
we recently published our first batch of courses that provide learners with adaptive
AI-assisted feedback, and have more on the way soon!

In the meantime, I want to address a few pressing concerns about the state of

software development:

1. Will software developers become obsolete?

2. Is there historical precedent for the AI boom (and what can we learn from
the past)?
3. Can AI really replace humans?

Finally we’ll even explore a few ways we can leverage AI to enhance our
learning today. Let’s dive in.

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1) Will software developers become obsolete?

There is no need to sugarcoat it: it has been a challenging time in the tech industry.
Many people I talk to (new learners and experienced developers alike) have
legitimate concerns about the current hiring landscape and what it all means for
the future of software development.

Meanwhile, everyone is wondering the same thing: what role is AI playing in this
disruption — and will AI affect the long-term viability of software development
as a career path?

Short answer: absolutely not. At least not for a long time.

Speaking as a tech founder (and former software engineer and hiring manager), the
demand for skilled developers is far from evaporating. The ongoing layoffs within
prominent tech firms are largely a symptom of over-hiring rather than a reaction
to automation and AI. What we’re seeing is a recalibration that, in my opinion,
won’t significantly impact the market long-term.

The need for software developers across virtually all industries remains robust, and
there are several reasons why I believe this pattern will endure.

First, let’s look at a couple of key data points:

1. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 25% surge in

employment for software developers in the next 10 years, far outpacing the
average across all occupations.
2. The BLS also reports that the median annual wage for software developers
is $120,730 (as of May 2021), significantly higher than the median annual
wage for all occupations in the United States.

Beyond the encouraging employment data, it’s an exciting time to be part of this
global revolution. Here’s why:

 Global Demand: While the U.S. market has been a benchmark for tech
industry growth, it’s crucial to emphasize that this is an international trend.
The global proliferation of affordable and accessible mobile devices is a
significant factor. This development means that we’ll require new software
developers from every corner of the globe to meet the increasing demand for
applications and digital services.
 Beyond the Tech Sphere: The narrative of innovation and progress isn’t
confined to the traditional tech sphere. Today, technology has permeated
virtually every industry. While giants like Meta and Microsoft command
significant attention, we must not lose sight of the tech revolutions
unfolding within non-tech-oriented sectors. Industries such as education,
healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are integrating technology at an
 unprecedented rate, which further fuels the demand for software
development expertise.
 The Rising Star - Machine Learning: Engineers equipped with machine
learning skills are set to be more in-demand than ever before. As I
highlighted in a recent newsletter, “Chat GPT-4 Demystified”, the rising
importance of AI in various sectors is a testament to this trend.

The future of software development is more promising than ever. The

sustained growth of technology-driven industries necessitates a continuous supply
of skilled software developers. Simultaneously, the ascendancy of AI virtually
guarantees the significance of machine learning engineers for years to come.

2) Is there historical precedent for the AI boom (and what

can we learn from the past)?
Disruption has been a constant companion of the tech industry. Each significant
event or paradigm shift has led to the emergence of new roles and specializations.
(I’ve lived through a few of them myself).

 Dot-Com Bubble (late 1990s - early 2000s): When the dot-com bubble
burst, many feared that the internet sector as a whole was done for. There
was concern that internet-focused jobs would become obsolete. However,
the temporary decline in tech jobs paved the way for a far more mature
internet industry, and new roles in areas like web development quickly
emerged.
 Financial Crisis of 2008: Massive layoffs occurred for the sake of cost-
cutting, but this period also spurred growth in areas like data analytics and
business intelligence to help companies make more informed and strategic
decisions in the future.
 Shift to Mobile (late 2000s - 2010s): When mobile devices appeared on the
scene, there were concerns that developers specializing in desktop software
would become less relevant. Not only was this untrue, the rise of mobile
technologies led to the emergence of mobile app development, mobile
UX/UI design, and mobile game development. Entire markets that
previously didn’t exist are thriving now.
 Transition to Cloud Computing (2010s - present): While fears lingered
that traditional IT roles might lose relevance, the reality unfolded quite
differently. In fact, we experienced and continue to see a robust increase in
demand for roles centered around cloud technology, such as cloud
computing experts, cloud architects, and cloud engineers.
 COVID-19 Pandemic (2020 - present): The pandemic accelerated the
digital transformation of businesses and sparked a surge in demand for roles
related to remote work technologies, e-commerce, digital health, ed-tech,
and cybersecurity. The adoption of online learning platforms and tools in the
 field of e-learning also experienced significant growth, creating new
opportunities for instructional designers and e-learning content developers.

Every new technological breakthrough and major paradigm shift has brought with
it an array of new possibilities for innovation, creativity, and growth.

The emergence of AI is no different. In fact, it is conceivable that the

transformation in our society resulting from AI will be even more swift and
significant than any past transformation dating back to the industrial revolution.

This may sound alarming, so let’s address some common misconceptions about

AI.