Is ChatGPT Coming for Your Job?
- Kevin McNeish
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Let's start out with a question I hear a lot from software developers and others considering a career in coding: "Will AI-assisted programming tools, such as ChatGPT replace my job?"
The short answer? No. But the people who know how to leverage these tools will be.
You've Got to Give These Tools a Try
If you're a software developer and haven't tried AI-Assistance tools yet, now is the time to start. I can't stress this enough: developers who embrace these tools are supercharging their productivity and delivering far more than those who don't.
Employers are already taking notice. Job postings now often include "experience with AI-assisted coding tools" as a desired skill. Here's a quick list of tools in demand:
ChatGPT: For generating code snippets, solving problems and explaining concepts
GitHub Copilot: For code autocompletion and intelligent suggestions
Tabnine: For AI-powered autocompletion across multiple IDEs
CodeT5 or Codex: For advanced programming and problem-solving capabilities
Occasionally, a new disruptive technology appears that changes everything. This isn't hyperbole. This is one of those times. I've been a software engineer for 30 years, coding everything from firmware, to large business systems, to mobile apps. In all that time, I've never been as productive as I am now with AI assistance.
How I Use ChatGPT in Mobile App Development
In my mobile app development, I use Xcode and Swift to build native iOS apps, Android Studio and Kotlin for native Android apps, and VS Code with C# for developing .NET MAUI apps. Alongside these tools, AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT have become an indispensable part of my daily workflow. Here are just a few of the ways I use it for mobile app development:
Upgrading existing code to work with newer APIs.
Writing new code efficiently.
Debugging code by explaining errors or finding solutions.
Examining JSON files for issues and generating JSON data files.
Writing documentation that's clear and user-friendly.
Creating unit tests to ensure code reliability.
Examining errors logs to pinpoint issues faster.
Generating creative assets (like the image associated with this blog post, which was created by ChatGPT)
These tools help me focus on solving problems and creating value, instead of getting bogged down in tedious tasks. As a consultant, I'm often debugging or enhancing someone else's code, so tools like ChatGPT help me quickly understand the structure and logic of unfamiliar code, enabling me to hit the ground running.
60 Percent of the Time, it Works Every Time
This is one of the great lines from the movie, Anchorman and in my experience, I'd bump that up to 70 percent is more like it when it comes to AI-Assisted programming tools--a solid success rate that still requires oversight.
As with any tool, these are only as good as the person using them. You need to approach AI-generated solutions with a healthy dose of skepticism. As ChatGPT itself warns, "ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info". This means, you need a strong foundation in software architecture, coding best practices, debugging and testing to spot and correct errors.
In short, AI tools are here to augment your skills, not replace them.
The Value of Investing in AI-Assisted Programming
I've been using ChatGPT as my AI Assistant for a few years now, and it's capabilities have come a long way from its early days. If you're serious about improving your productivity as a developer, I highly recommend investing in the Plust tier for $20 per month. The accuracy and speed of responses alone make it worth the cost for professional developers.
The bottom line: AI-assisted programming tools are not the competition--they're the advantage you need to stay ahead.
Diving In
In upcoming blog posts, I’ll dive deeper into the world of AI-assisted programming tools, starting with ChatGPT. I’ll provide detailed information on how to use these tools effectively to solve specific problems, along with practical tips to help you avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, these posts will equip you to make the most of AI in your development workflow.
Conclusion: The Future Is Collaborative
AI-assisted tools are transforming the way we code, making developers more efficient, creative, and effective. They’re not coming for your job, but developers who know how to use them will have a distinct edge. Start experimenting with these tools now, and you’ll be positioning yourself as a leader in this AI-driven era of software development.
Excited about what you're learning? Take it further!
Explore my book, Coding iOS Apps with ChatGPT, for in-depth tutorials, practical tips, and real-world examples to help you master iOS development with AI tools.
Comments