For years, software development has been one of the most in-demand and secure professions in the job market. Programmers have been— and in many ways still are— the driving force behind digital transformation. However, in 2025, the landscape is shifting. The rise of generative artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape the field from the ground up.
In this new reality, where machines can write code, suggest functions, and solve errors in seconds, the question is becoming increasingly common: is the job of the programmer under threat? The answer, as with many complex issues, requires a deeper analysis.
Less Mechanical Work, More Strategic Thinking
What’s happening is not the disappearance of the programmer, but a rapid evolution of the role. AI has taken over many tasks that were once manual: writing repetitive functions, generating basic structures, or even debugging simple errors.
This has led to a noticeable decline in demand for junior profiles, particularly in companies that prioritize efficiency and speed. At the same time, however, the need for professionals with analytical thinking, abstract reasoning, and product vision has increased. Today, companies value those who know what to do with code, not just how to write it.
What’s Happening in the Job Market?
One of the most noticeable trends in the tech job market is the saturation of similar profiles and a lack of differentiation. For years, training in programming focused on mastering languages and frameworks. Now, that’s no longer enough.
The new tech professional is someone who can collaborate with AI systems, validate their outputs, adjust algorithms, and, most importantly, understand the broader impact of what they’re building. Programming is no longer just about functional code—it’s about designing meaningful products, solving complex problems, and making informed decisions.
This shift is forcing companies to rethink their training strategies, their hiring models, and how they structure development teams.
The Sector’s New Challenges
The transition is far from smooth. The entire field is facing three major challenges that define this new paradigm:
1. Automation of Basic Tasks
Modern AI systems can now generate working prototypes in minutes. This has caused some companies to question the need for junior developers who were traditionally responsible for these tasks. The risk? A loss of entry-level training grounds and long-term talent development.
2. A Growing Skills Gap
At the same time, demand for specialists in AI, machine learning, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity has skyrocketed. Many developers are struggling to reskill or stay updated in a fast-paced environment that requires constant learning.
3. Pressure for Immediate Results
The speed offered by AI has led to an expectation of instant development. But not everything should be solved quickly. Designing sustainable, scalable, and ethical solutions still requires time, analysis, and reflection—areas where human input remains irreplaceable.
How Can Programmers Adapt?
Instead of resisting the change, many professionals are embracing the idea that the real opportunity lies in collaborating with AI, not competing against it. This means learning to integrate AI tools into daily workflows, using them to automate repetitive tasks, and freeing up human time for what really matters: strategic thinking and innovation.
New roles are emerging in areas like human-centered AI design, bias evaluation, ethical development, and human oversight of AI systems.
Soft skills—communication, team leadership, business vision, and digital empathy—are also gaining relevance and are increasingly valued in hiring processes.
What Role Can onhunters Play?
At onhunters, we’ve been tracking this shift in programming roles and team structures. That’s why we help companies not just find technical talent, but also identify professionals who can truly add value in a world where human and machine collaboration is the new normal.
We support our clients by:
- Redefining the profiles they really need in this new context
- Evaluating both technical and soft skills as part of an integrated process
- Supporting team restructuring or reorientation processes in tech environments
- Identifying training and development opportunities within existing teams
We believe this moment is an opportunity to build stronger, more adaptable teams that understand their impact and can lead the changes already underway.
A Profession That Isn’t Disappearing—It’s Transforming
Software development is not in crisis. It’s evolving. Artificial intelligence isn’t here to replace developers—it’s here to challenge and elevate the profession to a new level. A level where code is still essential, but where the value lies in what you build with it.
The companies that understand this and invest in their people will lead the future of innovation. And the professionals who embrace their evolving role won’t just remain relevant—they’ll become indispensable.
