White Paper | The New Developer

In the fast-paced realm of software engineering, the advent of AI-assisted coding tools has ushered in a transformative era for development teams. Amidst the challenges of time management, software delivery planning, and prioritizing tasks, developers find themselves at the forefront of a technological revolution.

This paradigm shift not only demands the acquisition of critical skills but also introduces a unique set of challenges that redefine what it means to be a thriving engineer in the age of AI-assisted software development.

Welcome to what we’re coining the era of "the new developer," where artificial intelligence becomes a trusted companion in the coding journey. As teams adapt to the integration of AI-assisted coding tools, the landscape of developers' experiences, work, and well-being undergoes a profound transformation.

However, questions persist—how does this era impact developers on a personal and professional level? Are there potential equity and opportunity gaps emerging in the realm of AI-assisted software development?

In a pioneering initiative, Pluralsight Flow's Developer Success Lab conducted empirical research involving over 3,000 software engineers and developers across 12+ industries.

This study, with a human-centered perspective, sought to understand how developers navigate the transition to AI-assisted software development. The findings provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape and shed light on crucial aspects of this transformative journey.

A pivotal aspect revealed by the research is the concept of "AI skill threat." This term encapsulates the fear, anxiety, and worry experienced by developers as they grapple with the notion that their existing skills may rapidly become obsolete in the face of AI-assisted software development.

The whitepaper delves into the depths of AI skill threat, exploring when and why it emerges, and the potential risks associated with neglecting this critical aspect of the transition to AI-assisted software development.

The whitepaper meticulously outlines the potential risks of ignoring AI skill threat in the context of AI-assisted software development. As developers adapt to this new paradigm, there is a tangible danger of overlooking the impact on individual and team dynamics.

Failure to address these concerns may lead to a loss of motivation, a decline in productivity, and, ultimately, a negative impact on the overall success of software projects in the age of AI-assisted software development.

In response to the challenges posed by the AI era, the whitepaper introduces a comprehensive framework. This framework serves as a guide for engineering leaders, teams, and developers as they navigate the complexities of AI-assisted software development. It provides actionable insights to harness the potential of AI tools while ensuring the well-being and continued growth of the development team in the context of AI-assisted software development.

As we stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, the era of the new developer in AI-assisted software development beckons. Through understanding and addressing AI skill threat and embracing a thoughtful framework, engineering teams can thrive in the age of AI-assisted software development. The journey to success in this new era begins with acknowledging the challenges, cultivating necessary skills, and fostering a collaborative and adaptive mindset among developers in the context of AI-assisted software development.