Let's recognize that ChatGPT didn't just want to be nice to programmers, ensuring that its role is to help, not replace, these professionals. Let's assume that a machine and a human can form a harmonious duo. So let's consider the division of roles—what coding tasks can be entrusted to artificial intelligence, and what should be handled by flesh-and-blood programmers. The answer is quite simple: human programmers should be teachers, not producers—it is a waste of their energy and time to create programs, they will accomplish more by training artificial intelligence, and it will do the most tedious and least creative tasks for them.
In fact, it's already happening. Programmers are not writing code by hand, but with the help of various intelligent tools that automate compilation activities. Ninety-two percent of the profession from U.S. companies with more than 1,000 employees use AI in their day-to-day work, according to a survey by Github, Microsoft's development platform, which hosts a programming helper called Copilot. 70 percent of those using AI in coding see the benefits, such as creating higher-quality code, speeding up results and reducing production-level incidents.
ChatGPT, Copilot and other tools will increasingly work with developers to streamline simpler tasks. In this way, it will optimize both its own efficiency and that of the code people. This means that these specialists can be calm about their jobs for the time being. Over time, however, companies will mainly hire those who can design and implement AI systems, integrate them with existing software, and ensure the security and privacy of AI-based applications. Ultimately, only one type of programmer will be sought. One who will know how to become for the AI what Obi-Wan was for Anakin Skywalker—a teacher, master and trainer. These high-class professionals will get the most attractive positions, and the rest—forgive us for being frank—will have to make do with chaff or go out of business.
Bottom line. Just as in 1966 math teachers kept their jobs despite the invention of the calculator, today, despite the popularity of ChatGPT, no programmer will lose his or her job. Unless, of course, in favor of a colleague who learns to use AI better. We are doomed by this to continuous development. This applies to all employees, not just those from technology companies and software houses: if we want to avoid professional demotion, we cannot rest on our laurels.