Software development is undergoing a significant transformation

Due to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), one of the most significant shifts in work processes is taking place in the software industry (Relyea & Harrysson 2026). AI is now capable of programming software applications, not only generating new codebases but also building digital services that work surprisingly well in practice. Naturally, many of these are functional prototypes that demonstrate user interfaces rather than complete software products. They are rarely final versions, which typically include user management systems, administration panels, advanced features, data processing, and thoroughly tested security controls. However, AI agent farms or factories are expected to revolutionize the work of software developers.

AI is taking over routine coding work

The work of software developers has permanently changed (Thompson 2026). On social media, many people share their first hands-on experiences of building functional software despite having no prior coding experience. This marks a major shift as practically anyone can now act as a junior software developer. Even some investors have expressed enthusiasm about AI’s ability to create digital services with far smaller investments than would normally be required for a full team of developers. From a productivity perspective, this represents a significant advantage.

Professional programmers have also expressed surprise at how tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, CodeWhisperer, Cursor AI, and others help them work more efficiently. Many of these tools do more than simply write code: they also assist in designing suitable architectural solutions, improving and maintaining code, and suggesting enhancements. Naturally, professionals still review code quality and treat AI as a support tool rather than an independent coding authority.

The work of software developers is changing

Relyea and Harrysson (2026) argue that a paradigm shift is underway in the software industry. They predict that software developers will increasingly supervise digital AI agent factories instead of merely using AI tools for programming tasks.

It is therefore not surprising that some commentators predict junior developers may struggle to find employment. There are already many examples of the challenges new developers face when seeking their first job (Nilesh 2025), and some IT companies have even laid off employees due to AI-driven changes (Abril 2026).

However, not all commentators are equally pessimistic about the future of junior software developers. Some experts believe that the overall volume of software development work is not decreasing but rather transforming (Meyersohn 2026).

It is a fact that AI has changed the work of professional software developers. However, software development is far more than writing code. A commonly cited rule of thumb in the IT industry is that coding represents only about 15 percent of the entire software development process. Code generation alone is therefore not sufficient, as software development involves many additional tasks and responsibilities, such as requirements analysis, system design, testing, security, and stakeholder communication.

New MOOC courses for software developers

The Erasmus+ GenAISA project develops learning resources for software developers and designers to help them update their knowledge and skills related to generative AI. The project launches ten MOOCs in 2026.

As part of this initiative, Haaga-Helia is creating a MOOC titled Management of Generative AI Transformation, which integrates the opportunities offered by generative AI into business development. The course provides new knowledge and skills that help developers maintain and strengthen their competencies in a rapidly changing software industry.

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