Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman shared his views on this debated issue.
During an internal fireside chat with employees last June, Garman suggested that the role of software developers could evolve significantly in the future.
Garman elaborated, explaining that coding is essentially a language we use to communicate with computers and is a skill in itself.
He highlighted that this skill addresses questions like, “How do I innovate? How do I create something engaging for my users?”
The CEO anticipates that the role of software developers will shift, advising his team to focus more on understanding their customer’s needs and the end product they are creating. He noted that future work will increasingly involve these aspects rather than just writing code.
DesignRush’s interview with GM and Head of Wix Studio, Gali Erez, echoes this view, suggesting that agencies could reduce resource use by 90% through no-code and low-code development approaches.
Is AI taking over, or are jobs just changing?
The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of AI have sparked concerns about its impact on the job market, with many fearing that their jobs might be replaced by this technology.
A recent Gartner study reveals that 87% of marketers worry about losing their jobs to AI, and 89% are anxious about potential job cuts at their companies due to the technology.
However, the situation isn’t as clear-cut as a simple “yes” or “no.” According to Garman’s speech, AI is unlikely to replace software developers outright but will rather transform their roles.
AWS spokesperson Aisha Johnson echoed the CEO’s views, framing the rise of AI as an opportunity rather than a threat of replacement.
AWS spokesperson Aisha Johnson supported the CEO’s perspective, presenting the rise of AI as an opportunity rather than a threat of replacement.
To address AI-related concerns, Garman encouraged embracing the technology and integrating it into workflows. He illustrated this with an example: Smartsheet’s new AI features, facilitated by the chatbot Q, are now embedded in a Slack channel to assist with employee inquiries.
The CEO clarified that AI isn’t removing jobs but is transforming the way tasks are carried out.
Adapting to AI by integrating it effectively into workflows is a practical approach to managing these changes and remaining relevant in any role.
Amazon is actively investing in AI, with the eCommerce giant announcing a $4 billion investment in the AI startup Anthropic last March.