AI - 80% of Developers to Upskill by 2027

In a survey conducted by Gartner of 300 organizations in the US and UK, it was found that **56% of these organizations considered AI and machine learning (AI/ML) skills** to be the most sought-after capabilities for developers by 2024. This reflects a growing trend where AI is no longer a niche technology but a central force driving innovation in industries like healthcare, finance, and entertainment. 

Moreover, the survey highlights that the **largest skills gap** these organizations face is not just in traditional programming, but in the **application of AI/ML to real-world software**. This points to a critical challenge: many developers lack the expertise to harness AI to build smarter, more efficient applications, creating an urgent need for skill enhancement.

Gartner’s report identifies three key phases in which AI will influence developers' roles and productivity, shaping the future of software engineering.

In the short term, AI tools will primarily assist senior developers by automating mundane tasks and increasing productivity. These tools, such as AI-powered coding assistants, are already being integrated into development workflows, complementing developers' efforts. However, early results show that the productivity improvements have been modest. The organizations best positioned to benefit from this phase are those with **mature technology infrastructures** and **advanced development practices**.

The medium-term sees the beginning of AI-native software engineering. This is when AI-generated code becomes more prevalent, and AI tools start to handle more significant portions of the software development lifecycle. As AI agents take over routine and repetitive tasks, such as writing boilerplate code or automating bug fixes, developers will need to focus on higher-order responsibilities like design, system architecture, and innovation. This transition will also have an impact on job roles, with **junior developers being particularly at risk** of being phased out if they don’t acquire the necessary AI skills.

In the long term, AI will make development work more efficient overall, allowing teams to build complex systems faster and more accurately. However, this efficiency comes with increased demand for highly skilled developers who can understand, train, and collaborate with AI systems. AI will not replace developers but will instead augment their roles, requiring them to be more strategic in their approach and **adapt to an AI-driven world**. The demand for developers capable of managing AI-powered software will grow exponentially, forcing them to continuously update their skill sets to remain relevant.

Despite widespread speculation that AI could reduce the need for human software engineers, Gartner's analysts argue that human expertise will remain essential in the development process. Philip Walsh, senior principal analyst at Gartner, stated that while AI will undoubtedly transform the software engineering landscape, creativity and problem-solving will continue to be critical. Developers will still be needed to address the nuances and complexities of real-world applications that AI alone cannot solve.

This means that even in a future where AI can handle many coding tasks, developers will need to leverage their human intuition, creativity, and critical thinking to solve unique problems and drive innovation. Developers who can blend their technical expertise with AI's capabilities will be in high demand.

As AI-native software engineering becomes the norm, developers must focus on upskilling to remain competitive. This includes learning new programming paradigms and becoming proficient in AI and machine learning techniques. AI is expected to revolutionize not just software development, but also how developers approach their careers. Developers who embrace lifelong learning and stay ahead of technological trends will find new opportunities, while those who resist upskilling risk falling behind in an increasingly AI-dominated industry.

The integration of AI into software development is reshaping the way developers work and interact with technology. While AI will take over routine tasks, it will also create new opportunities for developers who are willing to adapt. To thrive in this AI-powered future, developers must focus on upgrading their skills in AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies.

By 2027, software engineers will need to be both AI-savvy and creative problem solvers, using AI as a tool to drive innovation and build the next generation of software applications. Those who adapt will not only secure their place in the future of software development but also become leaders in an increasingly automated world.