According to Matt Garman, CEO of AWS, in 24 months, most developers will no longer be coding. This signals a significant transformation in the role of developers and the demands placed on technology leadership. This shift is driven by the rapid advancement of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and other disruptive technologies that are reshaping how software development is conducted. However, this transformation also presents substantial challenges for both developers and leaders.
The New Role of Developers
The transition from a primarily coding-focused role to one centered on innovation, problem-solving, and creating customer value represents a paradigm shift. Developers, who were once valued for their technical coding skills, will now need to adapt to a new skill set. This includes the ability to deeply understand business problems, think creatively to find innovative solutions, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
While technical work remains important, the ability to use automation and AI tools to accelerate development will be critical. Tools such as AI-powered coding assistants, low-code/no-code development platforms, and automated testing and continuous integration systems are rapidly evolving. This allows developers to delegate repetitive, low-value tasks, focusing on activities with greater strategic impact.
Challenges for Developers
One of the main challenges for developers will be the need for reskilling and continuous learning. As technology evolves, technical knowledge must be complemented by skills in areas such as solution design, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, the growing automation may raise concerns about job security, pressuring developers to differentiate themselves through competencies that machines cannot easily replicate, such as creativity and empathy.
Another challenge is the cultural adjustment. Traditionally, many developers take pride in their coding skills and may resist the idea of shifting focus to less technical tasks. Organizations will need to support this transition by offering training and fostering a culture that values innovation and adaptability.
Challenges for Leadership
For leaders, the challenge is twofold: they need to lead the transformation within their teams while ensuring that new technologies are implemented effectively. Leading in an environment where automation plays a central role requires a shift in leadership style. Instead of managing technical tasks and deliverables, leaders need to focus on fostering a culture of innovation, where experimentation and continuous learning are encouraged.
Leaders also face the challenge of balancing the adoption of new technologies with managing employee expectations and anxieties. Transparency about changing roles and the impact of new automation tools will be crucial for maintaining trust and engagement within teams.
Moreover, leadership must ensure that the solutions being developed align with customer and market needs. With developers focusing less on coding and more on innovation, leaders must ensure that this innovation is directed towards creating real value for customers, avoiding the risk of innovations that are technically impressive but fail to solve significant problems.
In Summary
Matt Garman’s forecast about the future of software development highlights an inevitable and profound change in the technology sector. For developers and leaders, the road ahead is full of challenges, but also opportunities. Those who can adapt and lead this transformation will be better positioned to succeed in a world where coding is just a small part of the value creation puzzle.
