The Rise of AI in Software Development #
The world of software development is undergoing a profound transformation, thanks to the rapid rise of AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Windsurf. These tools are changing not only how developers write code but also how companies evaluate candidates during the hiring process. As AI becomes a standard part of the development toolkit, companies like Intuit are rethinking their approach to coding interviews, shifting their focus from simple tasks to more complex problem-solving scenarios that reflect real-world development challenges.
This evolution is not without its challenges. While junior developers often embrace AI tools with open arms, veteran engineers sometimes express skepticism, fearing that these tools could make their expertise obsolete. However, as Intuit’s CTO Alex Balazs points out, “the future of this feels more like a service than it does using software,” and the better the AI gets, the more it can help developers focus on higher-level tasks and innovation.
The New Skill Set: Adaptability and Judgment #
As AI becomes more integrated into the development process, the skills required for software engineers are also evolving. According to Deborah Golden, chief innovation officer at Deloitte, the ability to memorize APIs is becoming less important, while the ability to make good judgment and understand the risks or biases in AI-written code is becoming more critical. “AI doesn’t just level the playing field, it tilts towards those that can adapt quickly,” she says.
This shift in focus is not just theoretical. Companies are now looking for developers who can work effectively with AI tools, use them intelligently, and make decisions based on the output they receive. For example, Canva’s CTO Brendan Humphreys has changed the company’s assessment criteria to ensure that candidates can demonstrate their ability to use AI tools to accelerate their output and solve complex problems. “You’re going to have to work with an AI intelligently and we want to see that competency,” he says.
The Impact on Hiring and the Workforce #
The use of AI in software development is also changing how companies hire. With the increasing reliance on AI tools, many companies are rethinking their interview processes to ensure that candidates can work effectively with these tools. Some companies are even designing more complex coding exercises to test a candidate’s ability to use AI to solve bigger problems, mirroring the kind of tasks they would face on the job.
At the same time, there is a growing concern that AI may be making it harder for junior developers to land their first job. Nikhil Krishnan, CTO of data science at C3 AI, says that the company is now more careful about hiring, prioritizing candidates who demonstrate curiosity, a passion for learning, and the ability to work well on a team. “We certainly find that we are much more careful about who we’re hiring,” he says.
Embracing the Future #
Despite the challenges, the future of software development is bright. Companies like Autodesk are embracing adaptability and encouraging developers to be less siloed on specific projects. “We’re creating an environment within our company where it’s okay for you to disrupt another team’s work,” says Raji Arasu, CTO of Autodesk.
As AI continues to evolve, it is clear that the future of software development will be shaped by those who can adapt, innovate, and use these tools to their advantage. The key to success in this new era will not be just technical skills, but the ability to think critically, make good judgments, and work effectively with AI to drive innovation and solve complex problems.