How AI is shaping the next era of software development
By Alois Reitbauer (pictured), Chief Technology Strategist at Dynatrace
Around the world, the way in which software development teams work is rapidly changing. Increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and their integration into coding workflows is changing both development practices and outputs.
With almost US$1 billion invested in AI-powered code solutions since early 2022, a transformation is occurring that extends far beyond mere automation. This revolution is redefining the entire software development lifecycle and challenging the perception of what it means to be a developer.
It’s clear that the future of coding lies not in resisting this change, but in evolving the approach taken to software development education and practice.
Countering the call that ‘everyone should code’
As AI takes on an increasingly prominent role in coding, the traditional developer’s toolkit is expanding to include AI-powered assistants. These tools are not just automating routine tasks but are reshaping how problem-solving in software engineering is approached.
However, this integration brings with it a new set of challenges that must be addressed head-on. For example, an over-reliance on AI-generated code could lead to developers losing essential skills over time. While AI can handle routine tasks, it is still not a substitute for human judgment, particularly in complex situations.
The rise of AI in coding has also sparked a debate about the future of the “everyone should code” movement. While the democratisation of coding remains important, the goal isn’t to create an army of everyday coders, but rather to cultivate a generation of skilled developers who can harness the power of AI while maintaining the integrity, quality and security of our software systems.
A collaborative partner
Today’s developers must not only be adept at writing code but also skilled in working alongside AI tools to assess and refine AI-generated outputs, while being vigilant about potential risks.
Developers will need to embrace the role of “AI pair programmers” as AI continues to evolve. Instead of viewing AI as a tool, developers must see it as a collaborative partner capable of producing sophisticated code.
However, AI is not infallible. The human developer plays a crucial role in providing context, verifying the code’s quality, and integrating it into broader system designs. This shift demands not only technical prowess but also a higher level of critical thinking and collaboration than ever before.
The modern developer also needs to master prompt engineering, crafting effective instructions for AI coding assistants. They must develop a keen eye for code assessment, identifying and resolving security vulnerabilities and performance issues in AI-generated code. Also, they need to grapple with the ethical considerations of AI in software development, making responsible choices that shape the future of our digital world.
Improvements required in education
Given the fast-evolving coding environment, the current approach to education must undergo improvement. Initiatives like National Coding Week, established in the UK before being recognised in Australia, play a crucial role in encouraging young people to explore the world of programming. However, education courses themselves need to radically adapt to the realities of an AI-integrated development environment.
Future-focused coding education should emphasise understanding AI behaviour and limitations, the safe use of open-source code libraries, and critical analysis of AI-generated solutions. Most importantly, it must instil fundamental software engineering principles that transcend specific languages or tools. A curriculum needs to be created that prepares developers not just for the jobs of today, but for the challenges of tomorrow.
This educational shift is not optional; it’s imperative. Without it, there is a significant risk of creating a generation of developers ill-equipped to handle the complexities of AI-assisted coding. Action should be taken now to ensure that the coding talent of the future is prepared for the rapidly changing world of development.
Future opportunities
Rather than being a threat to human developers, the AI revolution in coding offers an opportunity to elevate the field of software engineering. By embracing AI as a powerful tool and focusing on developing critical assessment skills, understanding AI behaviour, and maintaining a strong foundation in software engineering principles, new developers will be more capable and innovative than ever before.
The future of coding doesn’t involve competing with AI, but rather learning to collaborate with it effectively. To achieve this, educational institutions, industry leaders, and developers alike must champion this evolution.
By adapting skills, educational frameworks, and developer mindsets, it will be possible to unlock the full potential of AI in coding. Doing so will allow the creation of more robust and capable software solutions that will better shape the digital future.
