Software engineers, among the first to work with AI, are developing a love-hate relationship with the technology. Laura Housh, a software engineer, uses AI for coding and other tasks but finds it lacking in context. She is not alone; a survey by Stack Overflow, a popular question-and-answer site for programmers, found that six in 10 tech workers try to avoid using AI. The survey of 30,000 software developers in 169 countries reveals a mixed picture of AI adoption and uncertainty about its impact on their profession.
The rapid advancement of AI has significant implications for software engineers. According to an Indeed Hiring Lab report, "software developer" was ranked as the job most poised to be transformed by AI. While 65 percent of responders use coding assistants or agents, job unhappiness has grown, with nearly one in three saying they are not happy in their current roles. Burnout, tech fatigue, economic uncertainty, and a lack of clarity about upward mobility are major concerns. Stack Overflow CEO Prashanth Chandrasekar notes that AI has "augmented" these concerns, making it difficult for workers to adapt.
Software developers face nuanced concerns about AI's impact on their jobs. Senior programmers worry that their skills are no longer relevant, while entry-level workers are expected to operate as if they have more experience. Tech workers often spend their spare time learning the latest coding tools to keep up. Housh, for example, watches AI-focused videos and reads platform documentation in her personal time but still struggles to keep up. The pressure to adapt to AI can be overwhelming, with many feeling they must constantly learn to avoid being left behind.
AI has limitations that make it difficult for developers to fully trust it. Housh and Audrey Eschright, a software engineer with 20 years of experience, note that AI agents lack the broad general knowledge of an experienced developer and job-specific context. Using AI can also leave developers out of the solution, causing friction and fatigue. According to the Stack Overflow survey, 74 percent of respondents find AI useful for implementing code and 72 percent for debugging, but only 34.4 percent trust AI with other job functions like communication and design.
The stakes are higher as companies move AI projects from pilot to mainstream use. A Deloitte report found that 54 percent of business and IT leaders expect to move 40 percent or more of their AI experiments into production in the next three to six months. Developers are cautious about trusting AI, with only 6.6 percent trusting it with important decisions. The survey also showed that 78 percent of respondents consider source attribution important when checking AI-generated code.
Despite the challenges, many developers see the benefits of AI. Chandrasekar notes that AI can provide direction and serve as a second set of eyes. However, developers must balance the benefits of AI with the need for critical thinking and curiosity. Housh emphasizes the importance of being curious and not losing control. As AI continues to transform the tech industry, software engineers must adapt and find ways to work effectively with the technology.
The transition to AI-assisted work is ongoing, with both tech giants and startups increasingly using AI to write code. Google's research division found that 90 percent of tech professionals use AI in their job, a 14 percent increase from 2024. As the technology continues to evolve, software engineers will need to navigate the benefits and challenges of AI to remain effective in their roles. The Stack Overflow survey provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between developers and AI.
Key points
- Six in 10 tech workers try to avoid using AI despite its growing presence in their jobs.
- Software engineers struggle with AI's limitations, including a lack of context and job-specific knowledge.
- Job unhappiness among tech workers has grown, with burnout, tech fatigue, and economic uncertainty major concerns.
