As artificial intelligence reshapes software development, Sridhar Vembu has outlined what engineers must focus on to stay relevant, stressing that programming remains essential but is no longer enough on its own.
In a recent post on X, the Zoho founder said coding skills form the foundation of a software engineer’s career, but real value now lies in deep domain expertise and the ability to deliver reliability, security, compliance, and strong customer outcomes.
Vembu highlighted that while AI is accelerating the creation of working prototypes, building a complete product still involves multiple stages that cannot be fully automated. He cautioned against over-reliance on productivity metrics, noting that faster coding does not necessarily translate into better products.
Instead, he advised teams to focus on how AI can enhance overall customer experience rather than just improving developer efficiency. According to him, customers ultimately value domain knowledge and dependable solutions more than speed alone.
He also pointed out that much of the complexity in software development is “needless or incidental,” and can be reduced using AI. By simplifying processes, engineers can shift their focus toward building intuitive, high-value solutions.
“Be very good domain experts. Programming skills are the foundation (and we definitely don’t want to lose them) but deep domain knowledge is what customers pay for, along with reliability, security, support and compliance,” Vembu said.
He added that while AI-driven productivity gains are still debated, the technology is clearly useful in early-stage development. However, delivering a finished, production-ready product requires a broader set of capabilities beyond what automation can currently provide.
The message reflects a broader shift in the tech industry, where success increasingly depends on combining technical skills with domain understanding and customer-centric thinking.
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