AI's impact on Australian software engineering industry

Artificial intelligence is anticipated to bring about a significant transformation in the workplace in Australia, although it is not expected to render software engineers obsolete, according to Sabrina Farmer, Chief Technology Officer at GitLab.

As major technology firms advocate for AI as the next big step in software development, concerns have emerged in Australia regarding the potential displacement of jobs in the field. These concerns are heightened by the global hiring slowdowns seen at companies such as Salesforce. A report by McKinsey indicates that up to 62% of tasks performed by Australians in the workplace could be automated using AI technologies.

Sabrina Farmer, however, believes that business leaders may not be seeing the larger picture. "While AI can enhance software engineers' capabilities, it does not eliminate their roles. Strategic tasks and complex problem-solving will continue to require human expertise," she stated.

She explained that AI is more likely to change demand, redefine job roles, and offer opportunities for training and upskilling. The Tech Council of Australia estimates that AI development and adoption could generate up to 200,000 jobs by the year 2030.

Farmer emphasised that AI cannot replace strategic thinking within the framework of DevSecOps, which integrates various technical skills into unified teams. These teams aim to deploy software swiftly to address business challenges and boost revenue. "Too often organisations concentrate on developer productivity without considering developer experience," Farmer noted, highlighting how AI could relieve engineers from monotonous tasks, thereby improving productivity and morale.

AI technologies can handle less engaging tasks such as code suggestion, testing, and documenting, which typically consume a substantial portion of developers' time. "According to GitLab's Global DevSecOps report, less than a quarter of global respondents spend their time writing new code, with the rest of their day spent on repetitive tasks, improving existing code, testing, and addressing security flaws," Farmer said.

The utility of AI is likened to "pair programming," where two programmers collaborate at a single screen, a concept that was previously deemed unaffordable for most companies but may now be realised affordably with AI. Farmer asserts that AI is about evolving the developers' roles, not eliminating them. "When AI bears the load, humans can focus on their greatest strengths: critical thinking and creativity," she added.

Engineers who enjoy complex problem-solving can concentrate on innovative projects rather than routine tasks, thereby enhancing a business's efficiency and output. "Why not let them concentrate on these? For your business, this means getting more out of your teams," Farmer posited.

Upskilling is also emphasised as a strategic investment by Farmer. Companies deploying AI strategically can cultivate opportunities for developers seeking career advancement. "A strategic AI strategy allows companies to provide their developers the opportunity and support to spend time developing new skills so they can then coach others," Farmer explained.

AI tools can assist developers in optimising code, improving efficiency, identifying vulnerabilities, and enhancing familiarity with new code bases, languages, and frameworks. McKinsey's report indicates developers using AI tools find more satisfaction in their work, attributing it to automating mundane tasks and obtaining information more swiftly.

Farmer concluded that AI is essential in a DevSecOps environment, integral for engineering leaders aiming for success, and a pivotal tool in attracting and retaining tech talent. Effective implementation of AI requires meticulous planning, considering current business dynamics and workflow complexity. "If implemented effectively, AI won't replace your team—it will enhance their potential," she suggested.