The Age of Software Abundance

Imagine a developer ten years ago predicting the future of programming, perhaps with some apprehension: “If AI starts writing code, will we still need human programmers?” Many feared a time when software professionals would become obsolete. But as we now see, the answer is not less programming, it’s more programming, only different. 

We’re not reaching the end of developers; we’re entering their most needed era. Never before has the world had so much potential for software creation. That’s exactly why we need more developers, not fewer. 

Productivity is exploding 

Tools like GitHub Copilot, AI-powered coding assistants, and automated testing and deployment systems have dramatically accelerated repetitive tasks. For example, teams assisted by Copilot show a significant increase in commit velocity. 

According to McKinsey & Company, integrating AI across the entire software development lifecycle will speed up product launches, improve quality, and free engineers to focus on innovation. 

The law of abundance: the cheaper it gets, the more we produce 

This follows the Jevons Paradox: efficiency gains lead to greater consumption, not less. In development terms, as coding becomes faster and cheaper, more software will be created, which means greater demand for professionals who understand processes, integrations, architecture, and maintenance. 

Massive growth is coming 

Studies show exponential expansion in the AI and software markets. Bain & Company estimates a total addressable market between $780 and $990 billion by 2027 for AI-related hardware and software. Meanwhile, Gartner predicts that 80% of the engineering workforce will require reskilling by 2027, as the very nature of demanded software evolves. 

In short, we’re entering an era where software will be as abundant as human imagination. 

The new developer profile in the Age Of Abundance

The need for developers isn’t going away; their role is transforming: from writing lines of code to orchestrating intelligent systems. Future software creation will rely heavily on natural language interfaces, AI-assisted prototyping, and human oversight. Developers will define requirements, validate outputs, ensure security and quality, and integrate with real-world systems, focusing on creativity, ethics, business context, and product vision. 

Experts predict that within five years, AI will be embedded throughout the development process, acting as a technical copilot from architecture to monitoring. Still, human accountability remains for auditing, maintenance, and governance. 

Democratizing creation: Vibe Coding, agile prototypes, and software for everyone 

We’re witnessing the rise of what some call Vibe Coding: a movement where anyone with an idea can describe what they want, and AI builds the foundation. 

This means people outside traditional tech roles can now create their own software, targeting micro-niches or personal projects. 

The result: far more software being created, ideas that once stayed on paper now become real products. 

Accelerated learning, fewer entry barriers 

Where it once took years to become a proficient developer, soon it may take short, AI-focused training programs emphasizing product thinking, prompt engineering, and validation. 

Traditional education remains important, but the value shifts: knowing how to work with AI tools, synthesize problems, and communicate with business understanding will define tomorrow’s professionals. 

What this means for your company (and software service providers) 

For those leading software factories or digital businesses, like Visionnaire, this shift brings huge opportunities, and a few challenges. 

Opportunities 

Deliver faster, at lower cost: AI automation allows you to promise clients software delivery in weeks, not months. 

New viable markets: small or niche products that were previously too costly now become profitable. 

Differentiation: companies adopting new AI-driven methodologies early gain a competitive edge. 

Challenges 

Upskilling teams: developers must learn AI-assisted workflows, code governance, and prompt engineering, or risk becoming obsolete. 

Maintaining quality and security: rapidly generated software can introduce bugs, vulnerabilities, and tech debt, requiring solid engineering oversight. 

Managing client expectations: faster and cheaper doesn’t mean strategy-free; value lies in product vision, design, and support. 

A look back (not so far ago) 

Not long ago, experts said software would become a commodity, making developers unnecessary. 

At the time, it seemed the world would be flooded with software but short on engineers. Today, the price ceiling for standard software has been reached, meaning the industry must now grow through volume, access, and variety. 

The revolution isn’t less development; it’s development at scale, driven by imagination. 

Why a 10x leap changes everything 

When something grows by an order of magnitude (10x), it’s not just “better”, it’s a paradigm shift. AI’s integration into software development promises precisely that: cheaper, faster, more accessible software. When this scale is reached, software stops being rare and becomes ubiquitous, marking the Age of Abundance. 

Conclusion 

If you’re a tech leader, product manager, or innovation stakeholder, get excited: the old formula of paying high costs for limited software is giving way to building more, building smarter, and delivering value faster. 

In the Age of Software Abundance, imagination, not technical limitation, is the boundary. This doesn’t eliminate developers; it redefines them. Demand for those who can orchestrate, integrate, and evolve software will only grow. 

For software service providers like Visionnaire, the message is clear: embrace this new reality, empower your teams, and position yourself as the strategic partner that helps clients navigate abundance, not just code through it. That’s what we’ve been doing for over 29 years, combining expertise with the latest technologies in modern software development. Click here to contact us.