Will AI Replace Software Developers?

In recent years, AI has solidified its position as a catalyst in the evolving landscape of software development.

A recent study from GitHub reveals that 92% of developers are using AI to code at work, which many of them believe improves their day-to-day efficacy and upskill opportunities. 

Furthermore, a staggering 70% of developers see the benefits of using AI coding tools, while 81% expect AI coding tools will help foster a more collaborative environment amongst their teams. 

However, with AI's unparalleled speed in accomplishing tasks, concerns loom over the technology's potential to replace jobs.

According to a survey conducted by Resume Genius, 69% of employees fear that AI will eventually take over their jobs, while 74% believe it is bound to replace all forms of human labor.

This leaves us with the big question: Will AI have a lasting impact on the software developer job market?

Codacy CEO: AI To Create More Developer Jobs

While most fear AI will take over jobs, some experts think the opposite.

Jaime Jorge, the co-founder and CEO of the code automation platform Codacy, believes that AI will increase productivity in the workplace and drive consumption in the long haul.

"First of all AI cannot write purely correct code," Jorge shared in an exclusive interview with DesignRush. "When more software is produced, the world will need more software. And because the world will need more software, more developers will be required," he explained.

The CEO also believes that AI has a long way to go when it comes to crafting accurate code. "Only 65% of the code written is correct, and that's the stat taken by the best publicly available model, GPT-4. It's really important to understand that AI doesn't generate correct secure code, and will always need humans," he concluded.

An estimated 38% of employees believe AI would create more job opportunities and not the other way around, per Resume Genius.

While it's too early to tell the full impact of AI on the workforce, developers can feel at ease knowing that an AI tool is readily available to make their work easier — at least for now.

Edited by Nikola Djuric