In a recent interview with Ben Thompson from Stratechery, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared some thought-provoking insights on the future of software engineering and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the tech industry. He raised the possibility that the demand for software engineers could decrease as AI continues to evolve and automate coding processes. Altman discussed how AI-driven automation is already significantly influencing software development, with some companies reporting that over 50% of their code is now being generated by AI.
Altman’s remarks highlighted the transformative potential of AI in software engineering. He emphasized that, while software engineers are currently seeing a productivity boost due to AI assistance, the long-term outlook could involve a reduced need for human coders. This shift would be driven by advancements in agentic coding, where AI systems autonomously handle complex programming tasks. However, Altman noted that this technology is still in the development phase and is not yet fully operational.
He explained, “My basic assumption is that each software engineer will just do much, much more for a while. And then at some point, yeah, maybe we do need fewer software engineers." This reflects his belief that AI will augment human productivity before potentially reducing the number of software engineers required in the future. He further pointed out that while AI coding is already surpassing 50% in some companies, the real game-changer would be agentic coding, where AI takes on more autonomous programming tasks.
Beyond his thoughts on AI’s role in software development, Altman also addressed OpenAI’s business strategy. He revealed that he is more excited about monetizing AI-driven automation than pursuing traditional advertising-based revenue models. Instead of relying on ad revenue, Altman expressed a strong interest in offering premium, AI-powered tools—such as advanced automated software engineers—that could generate substantial income. This reflects a shift in focus from the typical business model seen in tech companies today.
Altman also provided valuable advice for future generations, especially students pursuing careers in tech. He encouraged them to focus on mastering AI tools rather than dedicating themselves to learning specific coding languages. According to Altman, the key to future success will be adaptability and the ability to learn new things, rather than specializing in a specific field. He stated, “The valuable thing I learned in school is the meta ability to learn, not any specific thing I learned." In his view, the ability to learn new skills and adapt to changing technologies will be the most important asset in a world where AI continues to redefine industries.
Altman’s reflections suggest a future where AI could not only enhance productivity in the software development industry but also reshape the skill sets required for tech professionals. As AI becomes more capable of handling complex coding tasks, the role of human software engineers may shift from writing code to more strategic and creative functions, such as guiding AI development and solving problems that require human judgment.
