'What will happen in future...': Narayana Murthy on why some programmers won’t survive AI

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, a pressing question emerges: which software engineers will thrive in this new era? Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy has provided a candid perspective, suggesting that the rise of generative AI may not bode well for all programmers. In a recent interview with Moneycontrol, he emphasized that the landscape of technology is shifting, leaving some professionals at risk of being outpaced. Murthy recounted his personal experience with OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, a tool that dramatically reduced the time he spent preparing a speech from 25-30 hours to a mere five. "I improved my own productivity by as much as five times," he noted. However, he insists that this transformation is more than just a time-saving measure; it serves as a wake-up call for the industry. According to him, while AI is unlikely to eliminate programming jobs, it will certainly highlight which engineers possess a genuine understanding of their craft. He drew parallels to the introduction of computers in the British banking sector during the 1970s, a transition initially met with resistance from unions due to fears of job loss. Instead of layoffs, the industry witnessed a remarkable 40- to 50-fold increase in employment. Murthy is optimistic that the Indian tech sector can replicate this success, provided it adapts to the ongoing changes. The role of a programmer is evolving, he noted. It now involves not just writing code but also defining intricate problems and leveraging AI to devise solutions. "Our programmers and analysts will become smarter and smarter... They will tackle bigger and more complex issues," he stated. In essence, Murthy's message is clear: while AI may not replace software engineers, it will undoubtedly redefine the criteria for what it means to be one.