Is This the End of Programming: How AI is Impacting the Labour Market 

The revelation that AI could bare serious consequences on society is not a recent one. Since the introduction of AI technologies decades ago, the potential of artificial intelligence has been known. However, the speed in which language learning applications are advancing has intensified these worries. 

Industry leaders are even going as far as to warn society that artificial intelligence technology could one day pose an existential threat on humanity after publishing official statements signed by over 350 executives, researchers and engineers working within the industry. There is growing concern over language models spreading widescale misinformation, manipulation and propaganda.  

But how will the advancement of AI impact the labour market? 

The introduction of low and no-code AI has been a hot topic of discussion in terms of the artificial intelligence take over. These apps were developed to enable non-technical workers to design and develop applications without the need for coding, or with very little coding involved. Whilst its somewhat of an industry standard for development teams to be assisted by automation platforms, the concern lies with the speed in which generative AI is evolving, and subsequently being utilised by businesses. Many people predict that the way in which low and no-code apps are trending threatens the demand for developers.   

However, generative AI is unlikely to replace programmers, but the vast implementation of low and no-codes app will inevitably change the role of developers. It’s predicted that AI will automate a number of tasks conducted by programmers, including writing code templates and debugging. Although it’s possible that the demand for entry-level developers will reduce, this could act as an opportunity for junior programmers to learn AI-developed languages.  

According to The Chartered Institute for IT, the innovation of generative AI and low coding applications will make developers jobs less laborious as writing lines of code will become a smaller percentage of their job. Instead, developers will most likely be involved in problem-solving, creativity and design aspects, security awareness, effective implementation and will use their profound understanding of how complex system components fit together cohesively. Despite AI’s ability to takeover coding tasks, the probability of AI replacing traditional programming skills is low.  

How AI can help developers  

Rather than feeling under threat by the advancement of low-code and no-code apps, developers should embrace the benefits that AI brings. Applications, such as ChatGPT, can assist programmers on various different tasks. The ongoing technical skills shortage has placed enormous pressure on development teams around the country, the utilisation of automated platforms addresses the skills shortage, alleviating the strain they are facing by enabling non-technical workers to carry some of the workload, helping programmers to focus on bigger projects. Subsequently, development teams can fulfil customer and market demands at a more efficient rate.  

Using machine learning and AI algorithms, AI is also useful for detecting errors in software before it is deployed, saving time and resources. Generative AI models can help with code optimisation by analysing the convolution and performance of the code, resulting in more efficient programming. 

So, to answer your question, no AI will not replace your job 

Despite the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, there is a long way to go before it has the potential to confirm our fears. The pervasive awareness of the dangers of AI has resulted in the UK government devising a strategy to regulate the use of it in the technical industry. Using existing laws, the government aims to harness the already apparent benefits of AI in the country whilst mitigating its risks and creating a safe environment for its use.  

Developments to safeguard the UK’s technology labour market from the AI takeover have already been made. A Bill set forth to protect workers’ rights in regards to the use of AI, as well as protecting the security of jobs working alongside AI, has been passed in parliament. This is a significant step forward for the UK labour market. 

The likelihood of AI replacing developers any time soon is slim, in fact, demand for talent is still high. Although AI will change the role of programmers in the coming years, the ongoing need for development teams is evident. 

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