AI is reshaping developers' role

AI is definitely reshaping developer's roles in various ways. A recent report uncovers that, AI and ML in software development workflows show promise, but challenges like toolchain complexity and security concerns persist.

GitLab suggests that 65% of developers are using artificial intelligence and machine learning in their code testing efforts or plan to do so within the next three years, signaling a potentially significant shift towards the automation of software development processes.

The key highlights are :

1. Increased efficiency: AI is helping developers to automate repetitive and mundane tasks, thereby freeing up their time to focus on more creative and complex tasks. For example, AI-powered tools can automatically test code, optimize performance, and even generate code in some cases.

2. New skill requirements: With the rise of AI, developers are required to have a new set of skills, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics. These skills are becoming increasingly important as more businesses adopt AI technologies.

3. Collaboration with AI systems: Developers are now collaborating with AI systems and using them as a tool to help build better software. This requires developers to have a deeper understanding of AI technologies and how to integrate them with their software.

4. Changing job roles: AI is also creating new job roles for developers, such as data scientists and machine learning engineers. These roles require a different set of skills and expertise compared to traditional software development roles.

GitLab’s report found that organizations were beginning to incorporate security into the software development life cycle earlier, with AI/ML playing a critical role in identifying vulnerabilities in code. Developers who used a DevSecOps platform were more likely to have implemented automation and AI/ML for testing than those who had not, the research found. Going forward, AI is changing the way developers work and the skills they require to be successful in the industry. As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see further changes in the developer roles and the software development industry as a whole.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, President & CEO, VARINDIA