Will AI Replace Programmers? What Parents (and Students) Should Know
You’ve probably seen the headlines: “AI is writing code now.” “Will developers become obsolete?” “ChatGPT can build an app in seconds!”
It sounds like something out of science fiction — or maybe a threat to your child’s dream of working in tech.
So let’s talk about it.
Are Coding Jobs at Risk?
Short answer: No. But the long answer is worth exploring.
Every time a new tool comes along — from calculators to no-code platforms — people ask if it’ll replace humans. Now that AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can write snippets of code, the question is louder than ever: will we still need programmers in the future?
Most experts say yes — absolutely. But the job is evolving.
In fact, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella says it best: “AI won’t replace programmers, but it will become an essential tool in their arsenal.” Think of it like a calculator for coders. You still need to know what to build, why, and how to check if it works.
So, What Does AI Actually Do?
AI coding tools are really good at helping with specific tasks. They can:
- Write small pieces of code based on instructions.
- Suggest fixes for simple bugs.
- Speed up repetitive work.
This helps developers move faster — especially beginners. A major 2024 study found that programmers using GitHub Copilot finished 26% more tasks per week. That’s a big boost!
But here’s the catch: the code still needs to be reviewed, improved, and tested. Just like a student learning maths still needs a teacher to explain why the answer makes sense — not just what the answer is.
Does AI Make Code Worse?
Not worse — but not always better.
Recent research showed that developers are pasting more AI-generated code into projects, often without cleaning it up. This can lead to messy systems over time.
Another report by Google found that while AI slightly improved code quality, it also caused more instability — like apps breaking more often — when teams moved too fast without careful testing.
So the real challenge isn’t writing code. It’s writing good code that works well with everything else — something that still requires human insight and teamwork.
What About Jobs?
Here’s some good news: despite the rise of AI, software developer jobs remain in high demand. Unemployment for developers stayed very low in 2023 and 2024 — just 2–3%. That’s far better than most industries.
AI hasn’t replaced programmers. But it has changed the kinds of skills that matter most:
✅ System thinking
✅ Creative problem-solving
✅ Communication and collaboration
✅ The ability to use AI tools wisely
What’s more concerning is the impact on junior roles. Some companies are hiring fewer entry-level developers, relying on AI to assist senior engineers. This makes it even more important for young people to get hands-on experience early — through quality STEM programs, personal projects, and mentorship.
What Should Parents and Students Take Away?
AI is transforming how coding is done — but it’s not taking away the need for smart, curious humans who understand technology.
That’s why learning coding, robotics, and AI with a strong foundation is more important than ever. Not just how to write lines of code — but how to design, test, think critically, and solve real-world problems.
At Adelaide Robotics & Computer Science Academy, we teach students to work with AI, not fear it — preparing them for the future with tools that reflect the way the tech industry is changing.
Because the best way to stay ahead of the machines… is to know how to work with them.
