From Coders to Coordinators? The Impact of AI on Software Developers

For many software developers, the rise of generative AI and no-code platforms is cause for concern. And rightly so. These technologies are quickly replacing the need to write code—a core task that has long defined the profession.

If anyone can build software with minimal technical expertise, what is left for developers? Will they become extinct?

After all, we’ve seen this movie before. Consider the typesetter, a once highly technical profession responsible for arranging type for printing: the role vanished almost overnight with the advent of desktop publishing software, which automated their work and made it accessible to non-specialists.

Fortunately for software developers, while these fears are valid, the story doesn’t end there.

There is hope!

Why developers are better prepared than they think

Developers already possess critical skills that are more relevant than they might realize.

These strengths position them to evolve from “coders” to “coordinators”—a shift that’s less about technical expertise and more about software development leadership. As Satya Nadella , CEO of Microsoft, said, “Every company is a software company,” meaning that software projects—and the people managing them—will remain indispensable.

Here’s why developers are uniquely equipped to adapt:

• Structured thinking: Code isn’t just a collection of symbols—it’s built on grammatical rules that inherently provide structure. Developers are skilled in thinking within this framework, which can easily translate into managing complex processes. As a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company points out, structured problem-solving is one of the top skills needed in the AI-driven workplace.
• Familiarity with development methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Kanban—developers live and breathe these methodologies. They understand how to break down projects into manageable sprints, oversee iterative cycles, and adapt to changing requirements. These skills are invaluable in coordinating projects where AI and no-code tools take center stage.
• Stakeholder management: Whether it’s gathering requirements from clients, collaborating with designers, or navigating feature requests, developers are no strangers to managing multiple stakeholders. This is especially critical in a landscape where automation tools must align with ever-evolving business goals.

The future: embracing a dual path

For the total coding sociopaths out there (we all know one), fear not—there will always be coding challenges so complex and arcane that even AI won’t be able to tackle them, like creating low-level embedded systems, or solving advanced security problems.

For everyone else, embracing the shift to process management could be the key to thriving in the age of AI. By transitioning into roles that oversee projects, align teams, and ensure stakeholder needs are met, developers can lead the next wave of software innovation.