The End of Coding as We Know It? A Look at the Future of Programming

Attention all professionals! Are you keeping up with the latest advancements in technology? It's time to discuss the arrival of generative AI, which has the potential to revolutionize computer programming. According to OpenAI, this new technology could replace those who currently write machine instructions, and may impact up to 19% of US jobs. As we continue to navigate the changing job market, it's important to stay informed and prepared for the future. Let's stay ahead of the game and continue to learn and adapt.

Are you wondering if it's all hype or a serious trend? Let's explore.

It's clear that the race to implement Generative AI is well underway. With all major players in the game, there's no denying the seriousness of this debate. It's safe to say that we're on the path towards full integration.

Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM , has announced that the company will pause hiring for certain roles that can be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), including administrative-oriented back office roles and human resources. IBM has around 26,000 workers who are not client-facing, and approximately 30% of these workers could be displaced by AI over the next five years through attrition. However, the company will continue to hire for software development and customer-facing roles.

Now with the question, Can AI really Code?

A short and dirty answer would be "YES".

AI tools have made it possible to code more efficiently by automating certain tasks and assisting in various areas. OpenAI Codex, for example, is a popular AI system that translates natural language to code. Other popular AI code generators include Copilot by Github, ChatGPT by OpenAI, and AlphaCode by DeepMind.

AI code is written in languages supported by the AI code generator, with OpenAI Codex being most fluent in Python but also capable in several other languages. While AI coding tools can significantly boost productivity, they are not yet a complete replacement for human developers, as there are concerns about security vulnerabilities and other issues.

Some of the best AI code generators of 2023 include OpenAI Codex, Copilot, ChatGPT , ALPHACODE , Tabnine , CodeT5, Polycoder, Deepcode, WPCode, AskCodi, Codiga, Visual Studio IntelliCode, PyCharm, AIXcoder, Ponicode, Jedi, and Wing Python IDE Pro. These tools offer various features such as intelligent code completion, automated routine tasks, real-time code analysis, and error checks, making the development process more efficient.

Favorable aspects of AI programing:

1. Large language models can perform 19,000 tasks that makeup 1,000 occupations across the US economy. According to OpenAI, 19% of workers hold jobs in which AI could complete at least half of their tasks.
2. Researchers found that computer programming was especially at risk of being automated because large language models had been trained on vast amounts of code. Software developers with access to AI coding assistance completed tasks 56% faster than those without.
3. Tech companies are using AI to turbocharge programming, potentially reducing the number of engineers required. There may be a future in which there are only a fraction of the current number of engineers, or none at all.

Don't lose hope yet!?

1. There could be enough demand for coding to employ both humans and AI. For 50 years, there has been a significant underproduction of software, and we still need humans to build it.
2. Human coders may find new ways to make themselves useful by focusing on what AI cannot do. Bank tellers grew in number between 1980 and 2010, despite the adoption of ATMs, because they found new ways to make themselves useful.
3. The productivity gains from AI could turbocharge the demand for software, making the coders of the future even more sought after than they are today.

What to ditch:

As technology continues to evolve, it's important to re-evaluate your approach to your technology stack. While learning syntax and tools may be helpful in the short term, it's human-based skills like problem-solving, communication, leadership, and management that will truly set you apart in the long run.

For programmers, it's crucial to shift focus toward solving actual business challenges rather than just mastering syntax-specific coding. As AI technology advances, it won't be long before programmers simply need to provide a sudo and the required language, and the rest will be taken care of by AI. By prioritizing human-based skills, we can ensure that we remain relevant and valuable contributors in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Where to go from here:

The future of coding is a topic that sparks both optimism and pessimism. With AI advancements, some predict that computer programming could be completely automated. However, there are also those who believe that human coders will discover innovative ways to stay relevant and valuable in the field. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let's discuss it!