Some of the main speakers at CodemotionMilan24 debate careers and training in the AI era.
While the tech world is buzzing with Artificial Intelligence, with companies and researchers seemingly focused primarily on creating the most powerful and performant model, there’s a crucial aspect that risks being overshadowed: the importance of training, career paths, and adaptability of developers in this new technological landscape.
In anticipation of Codemotion Milan 2024, we had the opportunity to gather opinions from some of the main speakers of the event on these fundamental topics. While the debate on AI continues to make headlines, these experts remind us that the true value lies not only in the technology itself but also in the people who develop and use it.
How are career paths in tech changing? What will the role of traditional programming be in a world increasingly dominated by AI? And, most importantly, how can developers prepare for a rapidly evolving future? Let’s explore these crucial questions through the eyes of those on the frontline of technological innovation.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
One point on which many speakers agree is that AI will not replace developers, but rather become a powerful tool in their hands. Luca Del Puppo emphasizes this concept:
“In 2024, being afraid of AI as a developer, in my opinion, makes no sense. AI is a tool that can help us be more productive, do double-checks on what we produce, and maybe something to ask for feedback on implementations we’re producing.”
Luca Mezzalira shares this vision, adding:
“I don’t think the job of the developer will disappear, but I’m convinced that AI will help us become better developers and accelerate the adoption of new frameworks, languages, and everything that in the recent past has been learned through books, tutorials, videos, and other traditional resources, investing a lot of time.”
The Importance of Fundamental Skills
Despite the advent of AI, the speakers emphasize the importance of maintaining solid basic skills. Luciano Mammino advises:
“I would advise students to focus on skills such as programming (especially in languages like JavaScript, Python, and Rust), machine learning, data management, and cloud architectures. Moreover, attention to ethics in AI will be crucial to address future challenges.”
Paolo Caressa adds a historical perspective:
“Over these decades, programming hasn’t changed in its fundamental concepts: we still use languages, libraries, compilers, interpreters, etc. And I don’t believe these foundations will yield to generative AI.”
Continuous Learning and Adaptability
A recurring theme is the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly evolving sector. Luca Mezzalira emphasizes:
“In a rapidly evolving field like IT, continuous learning is fundamental. AI can be a powerful ally in this process, helping us stay updated and explore new areas of expertise.”
Luca Del Puppo offers practical advice for those approaching the sector:
“Participate in communities, and be hungry for knowledge because in this world you can’t stop, and you’ll have to keep studying and staying updated continuously, it will be a continuous school.”
Diversified Career Paths
The speakers share different career paths, demonstrating that there’s no single road to success in tech. Luca Mezzalira recounts:
“I’m self-taught. Online communities have been my salvation because I grew up with passionate people who taught me a lot, and now I try to give back to the community everything I’ve learned during my journey.”
Paolo Caressa underlines the importance of flexibility:
“Technologies change and multiply so rapidly that chasing after all of them is vain and unreasonable: my advice is to have good fundamentals and then be guided by opportunities, the market, but especially by what interests and attracts us the most.”
Conclusion
While AI continues to transform the technological landscape, a clear message emerges: the future belongs to those who know how to embrace change, maintain solid fundamental skills, and commit to continuous learning. As Luca Mezzalira concludes:
“Looking to the future, I see a world where developers and AI work in synergy, creating more innovative and efficient solutions than ever before possible. This will require an open mindset, a willingness to adapt, and a constant curiosity for new technologies.”
Codemotion Milan 2024 promises to be an unmissable opportunity to explore these themes more deeply and prepare for the future of the tech industry. Don’t miss the chance to participate and contribute to this important conversation!
