The software engineering landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation as Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise the development, deployment, and maintenance of applications.
Julius Olajumoke, a Software Engineer, presents an insightful perspective on navigating this new era, urging aspiring engineers not to shy away from the field but to embrace its evolution.
According to Julius, the emergence of AI has made routine development tasks faster, easier, and more automated. While these changes can seem daunting, they present significant opportunities. “AI isn’t here to replace software engineers,” Julius notes. “It will replace those who refuse to adapt, not those who evolve with it.”
Today’s software engineers spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on solving complex problems, designing architectures, and integrating intelligent tools. In this dynamic environment, core competencies remain essential. Foundational skills such as basic programming, particularly in beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript, logical thinking, version control (e.g., Git and GitHub), understanding web fundamentals, and strong communication are still crucial. These principles provide the groundwork upon which AI tools can be effectively utilised.
But the modern engineer must also develop new proficiencies to remain competitive. Prompt engineering is now vital to effectively interact with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Understanding how to work with Large Language Models(LLM) through APIs from platforms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Deepseek, and Google’s Gemini is increasingly expected. Moreover, the ability to collect, clean, and structure data for use in AI models has become essential. This includes not only technical know-how but also an understanding of data ethics and responsible AI practices, such as ensuring fairness, mitigating bias, and evaluating user impact. These competencies are quickly becoming foundational for engineers building intelligent systems and AI-integrated products.
To help new entrants navigate this evolving landscape, Julius outlines a roadmap for the first year of learning. He recommends starting with a simple and versatile language like Python, which serves both traditional development and AI use cases. JavaScript is excellent for web development, while Java and C# are more prevalent in enterprise environments. TypeScript is also a valuable skill for scalable web applications.
Learning by building is essential. Simple projects such as a calculator, a to-do list, a personal portfolio, or a chatbot that integrates GPT can rapidly accelerate a beginner’s confidence and practical understanding. Mastery of Git and GitHub is equally important for version control and collaborating with other developers.
Julius advocates for the early adoption of AI tools to enhance learning and productivity. Leveraging platforms like ChatGPT for debugging, GitHub Copilot for code generation, and intelligent developer environments like Cursor AI and Tabnine can significantly accelerate the development process and reduce the learning curve. Rather than promoting laziness, these tools provide real-time feedback, encourage experimentation, and foster deeper comprehension by offering context-aware suggestions and insights as you code.
Structured learning paths also play a vital role. Resources such as roadmap(.sh), FreeCodeCamp and Harvard’s CS50 course offer excellent frameworks for continuous learning. Setting consistent weekly goals and avoiding resource overload can keep learners focused and productive.
As Julius emphasises, “We are living in one of the most exciting times in tech history. The rise of AI is not the end of software engineering—it is the next great chapter.” For those willing to adapt, learn, and grow, the opportunities are immense. Whether working at a leading tech company, freelancing globally, or launching a startup, success in software engineering remains achievable—and more vital than ever.
Julius Olajumoke is a software engineer, speaker, and technical founder. He writes about the future of technology, digital transformation, and practical pathways into tech for aspiring developers in Africa and beyond.
