As AI coding tools spread and lower barriers to software development, developers\' core competitiveness is shifting from programming ability to knowledge that deeply understands specific industries and tasks. Software developer Aaron Brethorst said what matters is not writing code itself but expertise to understand coding structure. Examples include payroll systems where grasping tax rules and deductions is key. The shift is also changing the roles of engineers and domain experts, though critics say instructing and verifying AI outputs requires distinct skills.

With coding AI advancing rapidly, a view has emerged that the key capability in software development is understanding industries and business work rather than programming itself. Software developer Aaron Brethorst said that as AI writes more code, expertise to judge whether systems meet real requirements becomes more valuable. He cited payroll and logistics examples and said agentic AI is weakening the link between domain expertise and coding. Others noted that validating outputs and instructing AI are separate skills.