AI and programmers: what do the IT community say?

With the development of artificial intelligence, the question of its impact on the labor market is becoming increasingly relevant. This is especially true for the programming profession, because it is this area that actively uses the latest technologies. Recently, at a press conference dedicated to the implementation of the action plan "Artificial Intelligence + Software", representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China raised the topic of the impact of intelligent coding on developers.

AI as a driving force for change

The press conference participants discussed the growing concerns among software professionals and public debates about whether artificial intelligence will replace programmers. Liu Weifeng, vice chairman and secretary-general of the China Software Association, stressed the high level of attention to this issue from both society and the association. He emphasized that artificial intelligence is truly transforming software development methods, which in turn requires adjustments to the skills and positions of software professionals.

Changing requirements for programmer skills

Liu Weifeng highlighted several key changes in the skill structure required for modern developers:

• Reducing the weight of purely coding skills: The ability to simply write code is becoming less important. Instead, the demand for the ability to understand requirements, design system architecture, implement integration, and ensure quality and security is increasing. These aspects require significant expertise and are only increasing in complexity.
• New basic skill – human-machine interaction: The ability to accurately formulate tasks for AI, evaluate and verify generated results, and manage the interaction of multiple AI agents is becoming mandatory for specialists.
• Increasing requirements for multidisciplinary: There is a shortage of professionals with deep knowledge of both software and industry. New roles are emerging, such as Front-End Deployment Engineers (FDEs), who work directly with customers to adapt and deliver products and services, requiring a high level of both technical expertise and industry understanding.

Labor market transformation

Regarding the position structure, Liu Weifeng noted the following:

• Restructuring of existing positions: Routine coding work is gradually being taken over by intelligent coding tools. Developer responsibilities are shifting towards requirements analysis, architecture design (at the beginning of the process), and integration and operation (at the end).
• New positions are created: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has already included specialists such as “generative artificial intelligence system operator” in the national catalog of professions. In addition, new specialties such as “industrial software designer” and “generative artificial intelligence systems tester” are being introduced. New vacancies are rapidly emerging related to the development of AI agents, the creation of skill sets and knowledge bases, as well as the operation of models. However, it is worth realizing that new jobs created by technology are not a simple replacement for old ones. There may be a temporary coexistence of pressure on positions related to routine work and a shortage of multidisciplinary specialists.

Plans for the future

In conclusion, Liu Weifeng outlined three main areas of work for the future:

• Intelligent modernization of enterprises: It is necessary to simultaneously implement intelligent technologies and optimize human-machine interaction processes. This will include reorganizing positions and training personnel, as well as actively developing new types of vacancies.
• Training of future personnel: It is necessary to strengthen the training of specialists for new intelligence-related positions in the software industry. This involves deepening cooperation between industry and educational institutions, developing multidisciplinary specialists, strengthening training in new intellectual skills, and supporting the transition of workers to higher-value-added positions.
• Expanding employment through innovation: Stimulating the development of new activities, such as software development for AI agents and intelligent services. Innovation in products and services is a key factor in expanding employment opportunities.

Thus, instead of viewing artificial intelligence as a threat, it is important to see it as a tool for transformation and development, requiring professionals to constantly improve and adapt to new realities.

Source: https://www.ithome.com/1/001/220.htm