The coding space has seen a drastic transformation over the last few decades, with automation tools for programmers reaching surprising levels of sophistication and power. From low-code/ no-code platforms that let users create custom software and apps by just dragging and dropping blocks to generative AI tech — such as ChatGPT — that can not only write and review code effectively, but also explain it in an easily understandable manner, the range of possibilities for programmers has grown profoundly.
Varghese Cherian, senior VP at Builder.ai, emphasizes the importance of being aware of the new technologies such as GPT, as they can help retain a programmer’s job. He notes that in the current climate, the need for software is present in almost every area, even down to the small local shops. He also warns against trying to enter the industry without having a good understanding of the new technology, as it can quickly become overwhelming.
Deepak Visweswaraiah, VP of platform engineering & site MD for Pegasystems India, lifts the veil on how these automation tools can be of great value, especially taking into account the pressure the COVID-19 pandemic placed on businesses to quickly develop platform apps. He cautions, however, that even with these tools, having a strong knowledge of computer science fundamentals is still essential. He also notes the emergence of a new “citizen developer” class of workers, empowered to create applications with the help of these low-code/ no-code platforms and generative AI.
The future of coding brings with it a high level of intrigue and curiosity. According to Shashank Mohan Jain, chief development architect at SAP Business Technology Platform, we can expect the nature of work to be drastically altered in the coming years, with the introduction of newer types of applications. He speaks of the challenge of determining the accuracy of generated code, but mentions potential solutions such as writing a compiler and running tests against test cases. Jain’s experimentation with the recent GPT 4 release amazed him and revealed the automation tool’s capabilities to write 165 lines of code that fully met his expectations.
Understanding and leveraging the potential of automation tools and generative AI will help ensure businesses, developers and everyday programmer thrive in the evolving world of coding. It is therefore essential to stay informed and aware of the latest advancements.
