Why AI hasn't replaced software engineers, and won't: Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kappor analyze why AI cannot replace software engineers, and while AI can speed up coding, the core bottlenecks in software development are planning, verification,
AI is unlikely to replace software engineers because the core bottlenecks in software development lie in planning, validation, and deep human understanding, not just coding speed. Despite the introduction of AI employment impact notification requirements in New York in 2025, widespread job losses due to AI have not materialized. While AI can assist in decision-making and validation, the value of engineers will persist as long as they possess a profound comprehension of problems and solutions. AI
IMPACT AI's role in software engineering is likely to remain assistive, augmenting rather than replacing human engineers due to the complexity of problem-solving and validation.