The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Software Engineering: What It Means for The Future?

Everybody is talking about ChatGPT, is AI taking over, am I going to lose my job?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way software engineers design and develop applications.

From self-learning algorithms to automated processes, AI is transforming the landscape of software engineering and the way developers create and deploy applications.

I am working on a side project called, "Ask-Cal" which will be using OpenAI to take business ideas and provide all the typical answers you would need to evaluate an idea/product.

AI enables software engineers to automate tedious tasks, identify complex problems, and develop solutions that are faster, more efficient, and more creative.

Part of this article was written by AI, but it wasn't up to snuff, so I needed to add a bit of "Tech Dad" magic to it, to get past Google future AI detectors.  

By leveraging AI, software engineers can create applications that are more responsive, more accurate, and more secure than ever before. AI is opening up a world of possibilities for software engineering and is paving the way for a more intelligent and efficient future. Let's break this down even further.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence is a field of computer science that designs intelligent machines that can simulate human behaviour. It studies the process of designing computer programs that can acquire new knowledge by themselves.

It has two main branches – Machine learning and Deep learning. It has been an active field of research since the 1950s. The field has experienced several waves of enthusiasm followed by long periods of lower interest. AI has been applied to many fields, including medical diagnosis, cryptography, financial modelling, robotics, and transportation. You latest Amazon package was probably delivered with the help of AI and robotics. Don't believe me, check this video out.

There are three ways to AI can be applied:

• Automation
• Augmentation
• Invention

Automation is the process of replacing human tasks with computer processes that are faster, more accurate, and more consistent.

Augmentation is when computer processes assist humans to make better decisions faster.

Invention is the process of creating completely new and unique computer processes.

How does AI impact software engineering?

AI has the potential to impact software engineering in several positive ways.

AI can:

• Automate tedious and repetitive tasks
• Increase efficiency and speed
• Improve accuracy

AI-based machines can learn and adapt to changing situations, which means developers can create applications that are more flexible and can respond to dynamic conditions with minimal human intervention.

AI can also be used to identify complex problems based on past experiences and create new solutions that solve these problems.

One idea I am waiting on someone to make it AI to help with devveloper documentation. Anyone who worked with me, know I'm a Domain Driven Design(DDD) development. That usually means, their are designs about the system.

Too many companies have all these documentation tools(confluece, notion, slab, etc) but you still need context from your most senior/architect dev.

Someone please make an AI tool that analyze all the code and explain it like I'm a 3rd grader.

In general, AI can be used to provide better service to customers, improve the user experience, and create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly planet.

What are the benefits of using AI in software engineering?

AI can help software engineers design and develop applications faster, more accurately, and more efficiently. Using AI can help engineers to solve complex problems and design new applications with minimal human intervention.

AI can learn from past experiences and use this knowledge to solve similar problems in the future. It can also be used to create new and unique solutions that can meet specific needs. The next time you want to know if your code is dirty is slow, AI can help evaluate it 🤖

What challenges does AI present for software engineers?

AI is an extremely powerful tool, but it can also be a very complex and unpredictable technology. AI can also create new challenges for developers as well as new opportunities.

Challenges

• Vetting candidates will be harder
• Identifying when code is wrong will be much more difficult(AI like 90% accurate)
• Juniors becoming too reliant on the tool
• New errors, humans haven't encountered will need to be addressed

Benefits

• Quicker turnaround
• Build apps faster
• Higher quality code
• Focus on delivering features, instead of optimization

It’s important for software engineers to understand AI and the implications it can have on their profession. More advanced forms of AI can outperform human intelligence in many tasks, but these same technologies can also create new types of errors.

As an manager, you might need to improve your hiring process. The take home code exams might be a round one request for new hires instead of final stages. Developers might claim they know how to write perfect code, but you need to find other methods to test their skills. New problems for leaders will arise.

What are some of the current applications of AI in software engineering?

Automated pattern recognition. This is a machine-learning technique that uses past data to predict future outcomes.

Automated testing. AI can be used to design and analyse test cases based on expected outcomes.

Chatbots - While not true AI, these technologies can identify human language and respond in computer language. -

Deep learning - This involves creating neural networks that are designed to self-model.  

Natural language processing - This technology can understand human language and process the information.

Robotic process automation - This is a form of AI that can be used to replace human tasks.

What advancements can be expected in the future?

AI is still in its early stages, and there are many advancements expected in the future. Some of these advancements include more powerful computers, more sophisticated algorithms, and the growing adoption of AI in business and society.

Have you seen this post yet?

The most significant advancement is the creation of self-learning computers that do not need human assistance to solve problems. More advanced AI can also be used to create customized and personalized experiences for specific individuals. AI can help individuals to solve problems, make decisions, and design new solutions that are customized to their specific needs.

I haven't even mention the idea of superintelligence yet. Maybe for another post.

What are the implications of AI on software engineering?

AI can transform software engineering by increasing productivity, improving service delivery, reducing costs, and removing human bias from decision-making.

Github Copilot just rolled out for enterprise. Copilot can help you code by offering autocomplete-style suggestions. These tools will change the way devs code on a daily basis.

Engineers need to retrain and reskill themselves to keep pace with advancements in AI and to be able to apply AI technologies to their specific field. Engineers need to work more collaboratively with other professionals to create solutions that integrate AI technologies with other systems and functions.

Finally, engineers need to ensure that regulatory bodies are engaging in discussions about the adoption of AI and the implications it has on society.

What are the ethical considerations of using AI in software engineering?

AI has the potential to improve society, but it can also have dire consequences if it is not used ethically. College kids are already using it to write essays. People are taking exams and passing with the help of things like ChatGPT.

Engineers need to develop AI responsibly and ethically. Engineers need to make sure that AI is designed with appropriate safeguards.

Please don't make an onlyfans clone using AI to generate art/video and content 🙏🏾

They need to make sure it does not discriminate against specific groups or individuals.

They also need to make sure that AI does not become self-aware and create a threat to humanity.

What steps should be taken to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI in software engineering?

Engineers need to keep AI safe and secure. They need to make sure that AI does not create unintended consequences or vulnerabilities.

Engineers need to make sure that AI is designed ethically. They need to make sure that AI does not discriminate against specific groups or individuals.

Some of these police drones are already targeting people of color. That needs to be address ASAP!

They need to make sure that AI does not become self-aware and create a threat to humanity.

Engineers need to conduct careful testing and simulations before deploying AI technologies.

They need to make sure that these technologies do not have unintended consequences.

Engineers need to engage in discussions with regulatory bodies about the safe and responsible use of AI.

They need to ensure that AI can be used in a safe and efficient manner.

Final Thoughts

AI is here to stay, so get on board and learn as much as you can now before it takes too many of your job responsibilities.