New Delhi: A fresh warning from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has sent ripples through the global technology sector, with software engineers increasingly concerned about the future of their profession. Addressing a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Amodei said that within the next six to 12 months, artificial intelligence systems could take over most of the software development process, dramatically reducing the need for human coders.
Amodei said engineers at Anthropic are already relying heavily on AI tools to generate code instead of writing it manually. While the transition is still in its early stages, he noted that progress is moving far faster than anticipated.
“We are only months away from a world where machines can manage the entire software development lifecycle,” Amodei told the Davos audience.
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From coding to ‘vibe coding’
Technology analysts say the industry is witnessing a shift towards what is being described as “vibe coding”, where developers give instructions in natural language and AI systems translate them into fully functional applications. Instead of writing complex code line by line, engineers increasingly act as supervisors, guiding AI models to build products.
Amodei believes this approach will soon become mainstream. According to him, modern AI models are no longer limited to offering suggestions but are rapidly evolving to manage complete workflows, from concept to execution.
AI could reach Nobel-level capability by 2026–27
Taking his forecast further, Amodei reiterated his earlier view that by 2026–27, advanced AI systems could perform research and innovation at a level comparable to Nobel Prize winners. He acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly around chip manufacturing, computing infrastructure and large-scale model training, but stressed that software development is likely to be the first major domain to see near-total automation.
“The pace of improvement is extraordinary,” he said, adding that coding is among the most immediately vulnerable professions.
Claude’s expanding capabilities
Anthropic’s flagship AI product, Claude, has moved beyond being a conversational chatbot and is increasingly being positioned as an autonomous “agent”. The company has recently introduced features that allow Claude to operate computers, render code in real time and assist with complex development tasks.
Industry sources say Claude is being trained to handle the entire development cycle — from design and testing to deployment — based on user instructions. This has raised concerns that traditional software engineering roles could shrink significantly as companies adopt AI-driven workflows.
Growing anxiety among developers
Amodei’s remarks have intensified debate across developer communities worldwide. While many experts argue that AI is unlikely to eliminate all engineering jobs overnight, there is broad agreement that entry-level positions and routine coding roles will be the first to feel the impact.
Several industry observers believe the role of engineers will evolve from hands-on coding to higher-level responsibilities such as system architecture, product strategy and oversight of AI-generated outputs.
“Developers won’t disappear, but their job descriptions will change fundamentally,” said a senior technology consultant. “The focus will shift from writing code to defining problems and guiding intelligent systems.”
Reskilling seen as critical
Digital economy analysts say continuous reskilling will be essential for the tech workforce as AI reshapes the industry. Expertise in AI systems, problem framing, product architecture and ethical technology is expected to become increasingly valuable.
Although some critics have described Amodei’s timeline as overly aggressive, there is growing consensus that artificial intelligence is on the verge of transforming the foundations of software development.
As companies accelerate adoption of AI tools, engineers are being urged to adapt quickly — or risk being left behind in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
