Generative AI (GenAI) is set to reshape the software engineering landscape, with 80% of engineers needing to upskill by 2027, according to Gartner Inc. The research firm forecasts a significant transformation in how engineers approach their work, particularly as AI technology evolves.
“AI will change the role of software engineers, but it won’t eliminate the need for them,” Philip Walsh, senior principal analyst at Gartner, said in a statement.
He emphasized that human creativity and expertise will remain crucial in building complex software.
In the short term, AI will enhance productivity by assisting developers in specific tasks. However, the biggest impact will be on seasoned developers in organizations with well-established engineering practices.
Demand for a new type of software professional
AI agents are expected to handle more complex tasks, pushing developers to focus more on guiding AI systems. This shift will require engineers to master new skills, such as prompt engineering and using AI-enhanced tools to optimize coding processes.
Longer-term, AI will fuel demand for a new type of software professional: the AI engineer. These experts will combine skills in software engineering, data science, and machine learning. As AI applications grow, so will the need for more engineers to develop and maintain these systems.
A Gartner survey of 300 companies in the United States and United Kingdom revealed that more than half of software engineering leaders see AI and machine learning roles as the most critical for 2024.
Gartner says that to support this shift, companies will need to invest in platforms and training that help engineers adapt to the AI-driven future.