I’ve been using ChatGPT and DeepSeek to build simple crypto trading programs in Python, integrating multiple APIs using nothing more than plain English instructions. Here’s an example of how AI handles code generation:
“You are a DeFi market analyst. Fetch and analyze real-time market data for this token using DexScreener’s API. Include price, 24h volume, liquidity, and FDV. Highlight unusual activity (e.g., price spikes) and summarize the token’s market health.”
With that single prompt, AI wrote fully functional code for me.
This is just the beginning. It’s becoming increasingly clear that within the next 12–18 months, AI will be able to create complex software systems from plain text descriptions. Instead of manually coding, you’ll simply describe what you need, and AI will generate it.
How AI Will Reshape Software Development
I see this process evolving into a structured workflow:
1. Define Business Requirements – Clearly articulate every function and capability upfront.
2. Generate Modular Functions – AI builds each function individually based on the specifications.
3. Assemble the System – AI integrates the pieces into a fully packaged software product.
This brings up an important question: where does that leave software developers?
The New Role of Developers (and What’s Missing Today)
While AI will handle much of the coding, developers will still play a critical role in:
• Reviewing and testing AI-generated code
• Troubleshooting and debugging
• Optimizing performance
• Ensuring the final product meets business objectives
However, one crucial skill has been fading—systems thinking.
Many companies have narrowed the role of business analysts (BAs) and business systems analysts (BSAs) to small, task-based functions. Instead of designing systems holistically, they’re often reduced to minor requests like:
• Tweaking an API call
• Adjusting UI placements
• Modifying a single text field
The ability to map entire systems, define business requirements, and ensure seamless functionality has become rare—but it’s more essential than ever.
What’s Old Is New Again
When I started my career, business process engineering was a highly valued skill. It required stepping back, mapping out how different processes fit together, and identifying opportunities for improvement. The goal wasn’t just to document workflows—it was to optimize them.
In an AI-driven future, this skill set will be even more critical. Why? Because AI can only build what it’s told to build, and the quality of AI-generated software will depend entirely on the clarity of the requirements it receives.
This is where I see a major shift: the roles of business analysts and software developers will merge. Instead of separate teams handling different pieces, the most valuable professionals will be those who can:
✅ Envision entire systems
✅ Structure them into logical components
✅ Articulate clear, structured requirements in both written and visual formats (e.g., process flows)
The Future of Software Development
As AI takes over more of the coding, human expertise will become less about writing code and more about architecting solutions. The most in-demand professionals will be those who can:
🔹 Think holistically about systems and processes
🔹 Break down complex functions into modular components
🔹 Communicate requirements with clarity and precision
The advantage in the future won’t be knowing how to code—it will be knowing what to build and how to design it effectively.
What Do You Think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this shift. Do you see AI replacing traditional software development, or will there always be a place for manual coding?
If you’re looking to sharpen your systems thinking skills and prepare for the AI-driven future, let’s connect. Reach out to schedule a strategy session.