As a software engineer, will I have a job in several years?
Tags: ai, discuss, career, watercooler
Published: 2023-06-07 14:00:00

During a recent OpenAI roadshow at Tel Aviv University, a software engineering graduate student posed an important question to Sam Altman: "As a software engineer, will I have a job in several years?" It reflects the growing concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market. In this blog post, we will explore the evolving landscape of software engineering and shed light on how the role of software engineers may transform in the face of advancing AI technologies.

## Code Implementation vs. Essence
To understand the potential influence of AI on software engineering, it's essential to distinguish between code implementation and its essence. While code implementation refers to the specific technical details and tools used to build software, the essence encompasses the broader concepts and architectural decisions behind it. 

For example, message queue is an essence to support async communication between different services. Kafka including the usage of its API is the implementation detail. Due to different technical reasons, it’s possible to substitute Kafka with RabbitMQ. The implementation will change but the essence of message queue has remained.

## AI's Growing Role in Code Implementation
AI has already started making its mark on code implementation. Tools like GitHub's Co-Pilot have demonstrated the ability to generate code snippets and assist developers in writing code more efficiently. As AI becomes increasingly proficient at writing code, developers may find themselves relying more on these AI-powered tools to handle implementation details.

## Shifting Focus to the Essence
As AI takes over some aspects of code implementation, software engineers can redirect their focus towards the essence of software development. This entails delving into software architecture, designing bigger building blocks, and making critical decisions regarding the overall structure of the software. Instead of spending significant time on writing lines of code, developers will have the opportunity to engage in more strategic and creative thinking.

## The Continued Need for Computer Science Knowledge
While AI may automate certain coding tasks, the fundamental knowledge of computer science remains crucial for software engineers. Understanding concepts such as complexity, DB schemas and their design, and security risks will continue to be essential. However, developers may no longer need to implement low-level algorithms from scratch, as AI can assist in generating optimized solutions. It is worth noting that many developers already rely on existing resources like Wikipedia and Stack Overflow for code snippets.

## The Impact of AI on Software Engineering
The impact of AI on software engineering is expected to follow the path of abstraction. Much like the progression from Assembly language to high-level programming languages like Python, AI's role will elevate abstraction in the development process. Software engineers will still be in demand, but their responsibilities will shift towards higher-level tasks that leverage AI-generated code. This transition will enable developers to focus on designing sophisticated systems, ensuring robust software architecture, and effectively utilizing AI tools to enhance productivity.

## Conclusion
As we contemplate the future of software engineering in the era of AI, one thing is clear: software engineers will continue to play a vital role in the industry. While AI may take over certain aspects of code implementation, the essence of software development and the need for strategic decision-making will remain essential. Software engineers must adapt to these changes by embracing AI-powered tools and leveraging their expertise to contribute to higher-level tasks. The future of software engineering holds exciting possibilities, and it's up to us to navigate this evolving landscape with enthusiasm and adaptability.