The AI in Business Podcast
Automation and Augmentation in Development Tools - with Tsavo Knott of Pieces
Description
Savo Nod, CEO of Pieces, discusses the challenges and opportunities for software developers as generative AI becomes more prevalent. The role of developers is changing, with a focus on cross-functionality and integration with business strategy. Developers need to balance using AI tools with their own expertise to ensure code quality. Career decisions for developers involve upskilling and becoming problem solvers in unique domains. Talented human developers will continue to play a crucial role in leading strategic decision-making.
Insights
Developers are becoming more cross-functional
With the advent of AI systems, developers are working faster and dealing with more languages, projects, and teams.
AI tools can augment but not replace developers
While AI systems can generate code and automate certain tasks, there will always be a need for talented human developers to double-check and refine the output.
Developers should focus on problem-solving
Developers have the opportunity to become 10x developers by embracing AI tools and focusing on solving hard tasks that require creativity and abstract thinking.
Chapters
- The Future of Developers and Engineers
- The Role of Humans in Code Quality
- Career Decisions for Developers
The Future of Developers and Engineers
00:14 - 07:32
- Savo Nod, co-founder and CEO of Pieces, joins eMERGE CEO and head of research Daniel Fajella to discuss the challenges for software developers as generative AI drives greater heights in computing power and enterprise infrastructure.
- There are two camps when it comes to developer tools: one believes in fully autonomous agents that can replace certain developer roles, while the other camp believes that developers will become more cross-functional and deeply augmented with AI tools.
- Developers are working faster and becoming more cross-functional, dealing with more languages, projects, and teams.
- The role of developers is changing to be more integrated with what is being built and why, rather than how it is built.
- There will always be a need for world-class engineers to double-check and refine the output of AI systems.
- Developers have to look up from their keyboards and consider what users, investors, marketing, and product teams are asking for.
- Developers need to identify when to use generative AI tools to solve problems faster and when to rely on their own expertise.
- Developers can upskill faster with AI tools and become problem solvers who can tackle specific challenges.
The Role of Humans in Code Quality
07:32 - 13:27
- As more code is generated by AI systems, there is a need for humans to look under the hood and ensure code quality.
- Developers need to balance between using AI tools to generate code quickly and solving unique problems that require deep domain expertise.
- AI systems are not yet capable of understanding and solving complex spaghetti code or highly specialized problems.
- Developers should identify when to use AI tools and when to rely on their own skills and knowledge.
- There will be a bifurcation of developers into those who upskill and become 10x developers and those who need to find new roles.
Career Decisions for Developers
13:27 - 16:31
- Developers have the opportunity to become 10x developers by embracing AI tools and problem-solving in unique ways.
- Developers should focus on solving hard tasks that require creativity and abstract thinking.
- AI tools can be used to solve generic tasks, while specialized tasks may still require human expertise.
- Developers need to identify when to outsource tasks to AI models and when to solve them themselves.
- There will always be a need for talented human developers to steer the ship and lead strategic decision-making.