Navigating the Future of Coding: Demand Stimulants in the Age of Generative AI
The advent of Generative AI (Gen AI), exemplified by large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, has sparked discussions about its impact on the job market, particularly for coders. While some fear widespread job displacement, others believe Gen AI could create new opportunities and stimulate demand for coders. This comprehensive analysis delves into the concept of demand stimulants, exploring how new computing paradigms and markets can counterbalance Gen AI’s demand suppressors and drive growth in the coding profession.
Demand Stimulants: A Counterweight to Demand Suppressors
In our previous article, “Will ChatGPT Kill Coders?”, we examined various demand suppressors that threaten to reduce the need for coders, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Rapid Application Development (RAD) platforms, and Low-Code/No-Code (LC/NC) tools. However, we also alluded to the existence of demand stimulants that work in opposition to these suppressors, boosting the demand for coders.
New Computing Paradigms: Driving Innovation and Demand
The IT industry has witnessed a succession of computing paradigms over the past two decades, each creating new demand for coders. These paradigms include:
Web:
The rise of the internet and the need for web-based applications and services led to a surge in demand for coders skilled in web development technologies.
Mobile:
The proliferation of smartphones and tablets necessitated the development of mobile applications, further increasing the demand for coders with mobile development expertise.
Cloud:
The shift towards cloud computing has created opportunities for coders proficient in cloud-based technologies and architectures.
Blockchain:
The emergence of blockchain technology has opened up new avenues for coders specializing in decentralized applications and smart contracts.
Gen AI: A Double-Edged Sword
Generative AI, with its ability to automate certain aspects of coding, has the potential to suppress demand for coders. However, it also presents opportunities for growth in the coding profession. By requiring training on industry- and enterprise-specific data, Gen AI stimulates demand for coders to perform “last mile training.” This specialized training ensures that AI models are tailored to specific domains and applications.
New Markets: Expanding the Horizons of Coding
The past few decades have witnessed a surge in new software product companies, SaaS companies, digital transformation initiatives, and consumer tech startups. These developments have created new markets for coding jobs, including:
Engineering Organizations:
Software product companies and SaaS companies require coders to develop and maintain their core products.
Tools Vendors:
RAD/Low-Code vendors, including open source software and WordPress plugin developers, rely on coders to create and enhance their tools.
Gen AI Platform Developers:
The growing demand for Gen AI platforms and applications has led to an increase in demand for coders specializing in AI development.
Digital Transformation:
Consulting companies and IT service providers require coders to help clients implement digital transformation initiatives and integrate new technologies.
Consumer Internet Startups:
Startups in industries such as fintech, food delivery, rideshare, roomshare, travel, and others create opportunities for coders to develop innovative digital products and services.
Software Is the Brand: A New Frontier for Coding
Forrester coined the term “Software Is the Brand” (SITB) to describe the practice among non-software industries to differentiate themselves through software. This trend has created new opportunities for coders in various industries, including:
Banking:
Coders are needed to develop software for trade finance, high-value fund transfer, and other banking-specific applications.
Manufacturing:
Coders are required to develop software for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, industrial automation, and manufacturing process optimization.
Healthcare:
Coders are needed to develop software for electronic health records (EHRs), medical imaging systems, and telemedicine applications.
Infusion of AI into Non-Software Products: Expanding the Role of Coders
The integration of AI into the products of non-software companies has created new opportunities for coders. For example, Siemens Industrial Copilot is a manufacturing assistant that helps maintenance staff with repairs and troubleshooting. This type of AI-powered product requires coders to develop and maintain the underlying software.
The Impact of Generative AI on Coding Jobs
While Gen AI has the potential to automate certain coding tasks, it is unlikely to completely replace the need for coders. Gen AI can generate code, but it still requires human input and oversight to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and alignment with specific requirements.
The Role of Coders in the Age of Gen AI
Coders can leverage Gen AI personal assistants to write better quality code faster, enabling them to focus on higher-level activities such as design, architecture, and strategic decision-making. This collaboration between coders and Gen AI can lead to increased productivity and innovation.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future for Coders and Normies
The advent of Generative AI presents a unique opportunity for coders to collaborate with non-technical professionals, such as product managers and marketers, to create new computing paradigms and markets. This collaboration can drive growth in the coding profession and ensure that coders remain in high demand.