2 MIN READ
BENEFITS OF HIRING VS AI
- Contextual intelligence: Software Devs understand project intent, purpose and can foresee challenges
- Creativity: AI can mimic existing code but lacks the inventiveness to truly innovate
- Readability: Software Devs are accountable for clear, well-commented code that supports collaboration and reduces future maintenance costs, AI is not
- Agility: AI is trained on static data and may struggle with ever changing situations, potentially introducing errors and inconsistencies
- Judgement: AI algorithms can inherit biases from their training data, leading to discriminatory or unfair outcomes
While AI’s impact on coding is undeniable, the reality is far more nuanced.
Yes, AI can write code – often faster and more efficiently than humans. And AI excels at specific tasks – analysing vast datasets, automating repetitive coding procedures and generating basic code structures.
But this creates an opportunity to free up developers’ time for the truly human aspects of the job: conceptualising solutions, tackling complex problems and bringing creativity into the coding process.
Here's where AI shines
Speed and efficiency
Error reduction
Code optimisation
Here’s where humans shine
Contextual Intelligence
DeepMind’s AlphaCode impressed in coding competitions but struggled with unique tasks demanding real-world context and complex logic. While AI can replicate patterns, it falls short of understanding project intent, purpose and the broader ecosystem. Software Developers can adapt code to specific needs and unforeseen challenges, creating solutions that truly fit the bill.
CREATIVITY
Software development is more than just writing lines of code. It’s about problem-solving creativity. We come up with novel approaches, tackle unique challenges and craft complex solutions every day. AI can be adept at mimicking existing code but lacks the inventiveness to truly innovate.
OpenAI’s Codex can translate natural language to code but falls short when creativity is key. Researchers from the University of Alberta and the University of Saskatchewan tested Codex’s ability to generate new video game levels for Super Mario Brothers. They found that Codex could produce functional levels that followed the game’s rules and logic, but the levels were often bland, repetitive and unbalanced because Codex lacked the human intuition and creativity that are essential for designing engaging and challenging video game levels.
Readability
GitHub Copilot, a popular AI coder, has been known to generate code that is not optimal, accurate or consistent with the user’s intentions. One developer reported receiving code from Copilot with nested ternary operators and unnecessary abstractions, making it difficult to understand and maintain.
And maintainable code is critical. Code written by software developers is typically clear, well-commented and structured logically. This allows for collaboration, reduces future maintenance costs and makes life easier for everyone involved.
“Hiring the right developers who follow best practice and include clear documentation are the key. When speaking to developers or managers on a regular basis – confusing, undocumented or incorrectly documented code led to frustrations within the team and business.
But when done well and proper practices followed, this is a huge benefit to the company and developer morale compared to a complex AI’s counterpart.”
Callum Beveridge
Senior Consultant in Technology, Change & Transformation
Adapting to the flow
Development is an iterative process. Requirements evolve and adaptability is key. Humans are great at understanding the impact of changes and ensuring the code’s overall stability.
AI, trained on static data, may struggle with ever changing situations, potentially introducing errors and inconsistencies.
Human judgment prevails
Back in 2022, Amazon’s AI-powered resume screening tool was found to discriminate against women. And human oversight is still crucial to prevent such biases from creeping into code.
AI algorithms can inherit biases from their training data, leading to discriminatory or unfair outcomes. Humans, aware of these pitfalls, can actively mitigate bias and ensure ethical coding practices.
Human software developers remain the unmatched cornerstone of high-quality software development. By focusing on attracting and retaining talented, creative and adaptable developers, you’ll build innovative and ethical software solutions.
Talk to Denholm
We’re problem-solvers. Whether it’s a Technical Director or a Network Engineer… We are experts in hiring the talent you simply can’t find yourself.
Contact Callum Beveridge on 07745524519 or callum@denholmassociates.com to find the tech talent with the passion, creativity and problem-solving skills that will grow your business.
