AI has been a buzzword for quite some time now. It is true that AI has the potential to automate specific tasks currently performed by humans, but it will probably only partially replace humans12. AI is more likely to augment human capabilities, freeing up humans to focus on more complex and creative work1.
AI Software Development
Software development is one of the areas where AI has been making strides. But Software Development is not just about writing code, there have been tools for many years that help with that, tools that autocomplete chunks of code as you type, improve layout, ensure correct syntax or warn you of potential bugs. Writing the code constitutes around 20 – 30% of the total work in Software Development.
Requirements
Every experienced developer will tell you that without proper requirements then the chance of a software project succeeding is extremely low. The worst thing about the current “Artificial Intelligence will replace programmers” headlines is it makes Management believe they can do it themselves. You should avoid Management for the requirements of a software project even when AI isn’t involved, you need to get requirements from the staff actually doing the job that your software is supposed to assist.
The Same Headlines
The last time these “You don’t need programmers” headlines were being pushed was in the 90s when Visual Basic first launched, I saw Management Magazines with variations of that headline all over the place for months. I even had a Manager walk past my desk pointing at the magazine saying “We won’t need you guys soon”. I chuckled to myself, sure enough within 6 months Contract VB Developer positions were some of the highest paid, because of all the projects a manager had started and could not complete.
For the same reason, Artificial Intelligence is not going to replace humans in software development due to the complexities of clearly defining what and how the software should work34. AI will however be a useful tool to improve and speed up software development and testing3.
Enhance not Replace
There are several examples of Artificial Intelligence in software development, all working to assist with parts of the Software Development process. Some of them include:
- AlphaCode, DeepCoder: Writing working code
- Diffblue: unit tests automation
- Microsoft’s Visual Studio IntelliCode: Assisted development
- Project estimations in oftware development
- Natural Language Processing Automates Support
These are just a few examples. There are many more ways that AI is being used in software development1.
AI Software Testing
AI is being used in software testing to make the testing process smarter and more effective1. AI-based testing is a software testing technique that uses AI and machine learning algorithms to improve the testing process1. The goal of AI-based testing is to make testing smarter and more effective by applying logical reasoning and problem-solving methods1. AI testing can automate tasks that are time-consuming and resource-intensive, such as regression testing1. Machine learning algorithms can detect changes in the UI and adapt to them1.
Some examples of Artificial Intelligence in software testing include:
- Faster test execution
- Better test maintenance
- Increase test coverage
- Improved test data management flow
These are just a few examples. There are many more ways that AI is being used in software testing23.
In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence is not going to replace humans in software development. Instead, it will be a useful tool to improve and speed up software development and testing. Humans will still be needed to define what and how the software should work.
Artificial Intelligence is also be useful for creating blog posts on why Artificial Intelligence will not take over Software Development 😉
