AI and Software Development: Why I'm Not Worried (And You Shouldn't Be Either)

20/02/2025 - Estimated reading time: 3 minutes — Career

AI is changing the game for software developers—but not in the way you think. Instead of fearing for our jobs, we should be asking: how do we evolve with it?

I know I’m late to the party, and everyone and their mother has already discussed this issue ad nauseam. But as a software developer who loves creating things through code, I’ve spent time thinking about AI’s role in our work and how I can better adapt to keep doing what I love for years to come. Maybe this will help you too.

Constant Updates

It’s been a while since I last posted anything here, and this article has been in draft mode for an embarrassingly long time. During that time, we’ve seen a constant stream of AI updates—each more impressive than the last. This rapid advancement is, in my opinion, overwhelmingly positive: AI is expanding human capacity and opening up new opportunities (more on this later). But I also understand how the speed of change can create uncertainty and anxiety.

I get it. By nature, I lean toward being a “realistic-cup-half-empty” kind of person. But when it comes to AI and its impact—especially on software developers—I’m optimistic. History has shown us that technological advancements initially disrupt industries, but they also lead to adaptation, improvement, and often increased efficiency. This has happened across multiple fields, from agriculture to manufacturing, reducing costs and production time while freeing people to innovate and grow.

Now What?

Since nobody really knows what the future holds, and we’re in a state of constant flux (with weekly AI advancements), here’s my takeaway:

Stay curious - Keep a healthy, high-level awareness of AI developments, but focus on tools and improvements specifically related to software development.

Avoid FOMO - Early on, I tried to read all the newsletters, all the tweets (xeets?), and all the updates. It was exhausting. Worse, much of it was beyond my understanding or irrelevant to my work. The result? A anxiety inducing train-wreck and wasted time. Don’t do that.

Invest in soft skills - Developers have long underestimated the value of soft skills, but this is one area where LLMs still have a long way to go. Strong communication, leadership, proactivity, and time management will set you apart. I know this firsthand—my background is in nursing, and my soft skills played a huge role in successfully transitioning to a lead software development role. Focus on developing skills that are unique to you, based on your interests and experience.

We Will Be Fine

AI is here to stay, and it will continue evolving rapidly. But that doesn’t mean developers are obsolete—it means our roles will shift, just as they have with every major technological leap. Adaptation is the key.

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