Why 75% of Software Engineers Will Use AI Code Assistants by 2028

A recent Gartner report has made waves in the tech industry, forecasting that by 2028, 75% of enterprise software engineers will be using AI code assistants to enhance their coding capabilities. The speed at which AI is advancing means these tools are no longer a futuristic dream—they're quickly becoming essential in software development. So, what does this mean for the future of work, particularly for those entering the software engineering field? Let’s dive into the details, cut through the hype, and explore why AI is not something to fear but rather an opportunity to embrace.

Just like a sorceress’s wand, AI requires a skilled magician to wield it effectively. While AI code assistants can simplify straightforward applications, they still struggle with the complexities of legacy systems. Developers who choose not to up skill will inevitably see their value diminish, whereas those who keep their skills up to date and consistently add value will find themselves in high demand.

These adept developers can leverage AI assistants not only to boost their productivity but also to create application-specific AI components, like chatbots, tailored to meet specific business needs. Ultimately, it’s all about balancing technology and skills, which will continue to evolve. To put it simply, just as Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) have drastically reduced turnaround times for developers compared to writing Java and C++ code in Notepad, AI code assistants will help speed up project rollouts. However, this efficiency can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations regarding delivery timelines and outcomes.

The Rise of AI in Coding

AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Tabnine are already making waves by speeding up coding, catching bugs, and even suggesting smarter ways to design systems. Gartner’s prediction makes sense: AI is becoming the norm in software development, not just a fancy add-on. And the best part? AI handles the boring, repetitive tasks, freeing up engineers to focus on what really matters—solving problems and pushing the envelope on innovation.

But let’s be real—when you hear that AI is taking over, it’s common to feel anxious about job security. This brings us to the big question: Is AI going to replace human engineers, or is it here to give us a boost? According to Gartner analysts, up to 80% of software engineers could face job loss to AI if they don’t up skill. However, the report also emphasises that AI is not likely to replace software engineers; instead, it is set to create new roles and opportunities within the field.

The Job Loss Panic: Is It Real?

Whenever technology advances, people start to worry about job loss. We’ve seen it before with the rise of automation in manufacturing, and now the same fear is popping up in software engineering. If AI can write code, why would companies need engineers?

So, here’s the thing: automation didn’t kill jobs—it just changed them. And the same will happen with AI in coding. Instead of replacing engineers, AI code assistants are more like super-powered tools that help engineers work smarter. The 2018 World Economic Forum already hinted at this—sure, some jobs will disappear, but a lot more new roles will pop up, especially those that demand a higher level of expertise and creativity.

What’s Happening in the Indian IT Scene?

India’s IT industry is massive, but we’ve got a bit of a problem—tons of educated grads, but not enough alignment between what they learn and what the industry actually needs. AI integration in software development is both a challenge and an opportunity for the Indian workforce. Big names like Infosys, Wipro, and TCS are already investing heavily in re-skilling their teams with AI tools. At Jiffy, we’ve made AI skills a must-have. If you’re not riding the AI wave, you’re going to miss out.

In my earlier article, AI Skills Now a Job Requirement: Indian IT Industry’s Latest Training Mandate, I touched on this: re-skilling is the way forward. AI isn’t a threat—it’s a powerful tool that can help engineers do more, better, and faster.

My take is —AI isn’t coming for your job; it’s here to help you level up. Think of AI code assistants as the modern-day version of calculators for programmers. They won’t replace you, but they’ll help you be more efficient, allowing you to focus on solving complex problems and coming up with creative solutions. The future of work won’t be “AI vs. humans”; it’ll be AI with humans, making us even better at what we do.

And let’s not forget—AI can handle routine tasks, but creativity, critical thinking, and that human touch will always be in demand. The engineers who thrive will be the ones who know how to balance both worlds: human expertise and AI-powered efficiency.

To All the Aspiring Technocrats Out There

For those of you just starting out in tech, this is your wake-up call. Learn AI, embrace it, but don’t stop there. Focus on developing skills that AI can’t touch—creativity, leadership, and emotional intelligence. The job market is shifting, and the ones who adapt will have endless opportunities ahead.

So, should you feel threatened by AI? Absolutely not. Be excited about the possibilities. The future of coding is going to be AI + engineers, working together to drive the next wave of innovation.

At Jiffy, we’re all in on AI education, preparing our team for what’s coming next. We’re not just keeping up—we’re setting the pace in this AI-driven world.

Got thoughts on AI and how it’s shaping your career? The conversation is far from over—keep pouring in your thoughts in the comments. The future is bright, and we’ve got a front-row seat to shape it.

References:

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/software-engineers-jobs-ai-gartner-report-9619577/

https://www.cio.com/article/3567138/ai-native-software-engineering-may-be-closer-than-developers-think.html