– By Himanshumali and Megan Grant

In 2017, Gartner predicted that globally, artificial intelligence (AI) would create two million new jobs by 2025. Though this may have seemed far-fetched at the time, it’s quickly becoming a reality. Over the past few years, emerging technologies like AI, machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP) have transformed the software development landscape. While some developers may still worry about AI replacing their roles, the reality is that AI is already creating jobs in many industries.

But how should Indian developers think about AI, and what are some of the key technologies that will help them take advantage of this important trend? That’s exactly what I want to share in this short article.

AI: A Supplement, not a replacement

AI can be an asset for Indian developers and should be viewed as a supplement, not a replacement. It can enhance their capabilities rather than render them obsolete. In the present and increasingly in the coming years, technical positions will make use of AI to support developers and decrease the amount of repetitive work they do. AI will assist in automating monotonous tasks like reviewing code, conducting tests, and debugging, which can reduce the time developers dedicate to these activities. This, in turn, enables them to concentrate on more significant and creative tasks. Ultimately, this can result in quicker development timelines and higher-quality software.

Furthermore, AI offers significant advantages in the realm of software development by reducing human errors. Developers can rely on AI-powered code assistants to streamline coding processes and minimize the risk of coding errors, ultimately enhancing code quality. Additionally, AI empowers developers to engage in robust data analysis, facilitating data-driven decision-making. As an example, climate tech startup Ambee uses AI and machine learning to predict forest fires and provide timely warnings, showcasing how AI can enhance data analysis capabilities and improve the development process.

Developers and AI: How to maximize the benefits

While AI is a valuable tool in software development, developers should always bear in mind that it cannot replace human creativity and ingenuity. AI can assist in generating ideas and solutions, but it is ultimately the responsibility of humans to determine how to effectively use these insights. To maximize the benefits of this technology, every developer should always remember the following:

1. Understanding AI tool limits: Stay informed about the capabilities and limitations of the AI tools you use. For critical tasks like software testing and quality assurance, human involvement remains essential.

2. Aligning with employer expectations: Communicate with your employer or manager about the boundaries, expectations, and security protocols related to AI usage. Ensure a clear understanding of which tasks AI can assist with and which tasks require human expertise.

3. Taking accountability: Remember that AI is not foolproof, and excessive reliance on it can lead to issues. Developers should maintain responsibility for the code they produce. AI is a tool, but it’s the developer’s expertise that ensures a successful outcome.

4. Start small and scale: When integrating AI into your development process, begin with small-scale experiments. Try AI-powered tools for individual code snippets or code suggestions before gradually expanding their use to more significant tasks.

Prominent AI tools for developers

To stay ahead of the curve, every Indian techie must know about some of the popular AI tools like GitHub CoPilot, Amazon CodeGuru Security, Sourcegraph, and Amazon CodeWhisperer. These user-friendly tools aid developers by simplifying the coding process and enhancing code quality, making their work more efficient and more secure.

Embrace AI as a collaborative ally

In conclusion, technologies like AI, machine learning, and natural language processing are not a replacement for developers but an empowering tool. By harnessing the power of these technologies and considering them an asset in their software development toolkit, developers can unlock new opportunities and elevate their code quality, ultimately delivering more robust and innovative software solutions. Embrace AI as a supportive partner for your next software project.

(Himanshumali is the Principal Solutions Architect in India, at MongoDB; and Megan Grant, Editor – Developer Relations, at MongoDB.)

(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)