TLDR: Despite widespread industry concerns about job displacement due to generative AI, HCLTech CEO and MD C. Vijayakumar asserts that fundamental programming concepts and human validation remain crucial. He emphasizes the need for strong logic and prompting skills, highlighting a ‘misunderstanding’ that coding will become redundant.
In an exclusive conversation with Fortune India, C. Vijayakumar, CEO and MD of HCLTech, India’s third-largest IT and Consulting firm, has strongly refuted the notion that coding skills will become obsolete in the era of generative AI. This statement comes amidst growing industry fears, fueled partly by tech giants like Microsoft, which reported using AI for 20%-30% of its coding earlier this year.
Vijayakumar stated, ‘I would strongly disagree. The fundamental programming concepts are going to be absolutely important. Whether you use AI or not, if you’re going to be in the software development world, programming concepts are very important.’ He clarified that the prevailing sentiment reflects a ‘misunderstanding in the industry that coding is one of those skills that could become redundant in the Gen AI era.’
As IT firms increasingly integrate generative AI tools to boost productivity in their services, including coding, Vijayakumar stressed the irreplaceable role of human oversight. ‘Human validation remains extremely vital,’ he noted. He further elaborated on the evolving skill set required for coders, emphasizing, ‘Your logic skills need to be strong. You need to have good prompting skills. I think the language, the communication aspect, is very important to get the right prompts developed, and then once you create a big prompt library, then you should be able to go and pick and choose the right prompts.’
Also Read:
- Preserving the Human Advantage in an AI-Driven Workforce: Insights on Irreplaceable Skills
- Sundar Pichai Emphasizes AI’s Transformative Power and Humanity’s Imperative to Master It
The CEO’s remarks underscore a nuanced perspective on AI’s impact on the workforce, suggesting a transformation rather than an elimination of coding roles. The focus shifts towards higher-order cognitive skills, such as logical reasoning and effective communication, to leverage AI tools efficiently.
