AI: A Threat or an Opportunity for Software Engineers?

As a software engineer, you’ve likely encountered AI-powered chatbots that can generate entire code snippets and implementations. It’s natural to wonder: Will AI eventually replace human software engineers? In this essay, we’ll explore both sides of the debate, considering how AI can either supplant or empower our roles in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

The Arrival of AI-Powered Chatbots

In 2022, AI-powered chatbots made their debut. As a seasoned software engineer, I initially questioned their necessity. After all, I’d successfully relied on Google, Stack Overflow, community groups, and blogs for over two decades. But gradually, my colleagues—both current and former—sang the praises of these chatbots. Their productivity gains were undeniable, so I decided to give them a shot.

Reference Tool Overload

I fired up one of the more renowned chatbots and began asking coding-related questions. First, I had an old code snippet in an outdated framework. Could the chatbot interpret it for modern frameworks? It generated an output, I tested it, and—lo and behold—it worked! Encouraged, I asked it to translate the code to another programming language. Again, it provided a solution, and it worked seamlessly. My initial reaction: sheer amazement. Suddenly, I could tackle not only simple projects but also complex ones. It felt like trading in an axe for a chainsaw.

AI vs. Software Engineers: The Memes

Then the memes surfaced: “AI will replace software engineers!” Some were amusing, but others revealed a lack of understanding. Yes, AI-powered chatbots churn out code—sometimes more advanced than what we write—but they’re still just pieces of the puzzle. It’s up to us humans to assemble those pieces into a cohesive project. The best solutions emerge from our collective expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

So are software engineers going to get replaced by AI-powered chatbots? I don’t think so. Instead, this technology reinforces software engineers of this era to build more complex and advanced projects. It’s akin to people from the old age finding tools to create more sophisticated products—from wheelbarrows to tractors. It still takes a human to think of ideas or inventions, and with these tools, we push forward beyond our previous limitations.