10 Programming Roles Safe from AI Takeover

So, you're worried that AI is coming for your programming job? I get it—those robots are learning faster than we can say "Hello, World!" Previously, I detailed why I don't think AI will take over software completely.

But if you're still not convinced and are eyeing safer alternatives to web or backend development, grab a cup of coffee and read on. Here are ten programming careers where humans still have the upper hand—or at least won't be replaced by a toaster anytime soon.

1. Game Programming

Sure, AI can whip up a simple game like Tetris, but making a game truly engaging and fun? That's a whole different ball game. Game programming involves iterative design, player feedback, and creative storytelling. It's where coding meets imagination. Plus, who wouldn't want to tell people at parties that they design games for a living? Instant cool points.

2. Creative Programming

Tasks that require creativity pose significant challenges for AI. Building thought-provoking and immersive experiences—whether in art, music, or interactive installations—necessitates human creativity and intuition. If you're the kind of person who colors outside the lines (and maybe even rewrites the coloring book), this field lets you push the boundaries of what's possible with technology.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Applications

Developing VR and AR applications is like being an architect of alternate realities. It involves a deep understanding of spatial computing, user experience design, and interactive environments. These applications often require innovative problem-solving and adaptation to physical constraints—areas where human intuition excels over AI. Plus, you get to say you're working on the holodeck. How cool is that?

4. Installations and Exhibitions

Creating interactive installations and exhibitions involves reasoning about physical spaces, user interaction, and sensory experiences. These projects demand a blend of technical expertise and creative vision, making it challenging for AI to replicate. As long as humans enjoy touching things they probably shouldn't, programmers in this field will continue to be essential

CES Expo 2023

5. DevOps and Infrastructure

Despite AI's capabilities, deploying and managing complex services require a deep understanding of infrastructure, automation, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. DevOps engineers ensure the seamless operation of services, addressing issues that arise in production environments. Think of it as being the wizard behind the curtain, keeping everything running while everyone else marvels at the spectacle.

6. Tool and Pipeline Programming

Common in the film and animation industries, tool and pipeline programming involves developing in-house tools tailored to specific workflows. Given the niche nature of these tools and the lack of extensive data to train AI models, this area remains protected from automation. It's like being Q in the James Bond universe—you create the gadgets that make the magic happen.

7. Robotics and Embedded Systems Programming

Robotics and embedded systems involve integrating physical components with software, requiring knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and programming. The complexity of building and maintaining these systems, coupled with the need for physical interaction and understanding limitations, makes this field challenging for AI to dominate. Plus, who doesn't want to build their own robot sidekick? Just remember to install the "no world domination" module.

8. Graphics Programming

Graphics programming is where art meets algorithms. Whether it's rendering lifelike water in a video game or creating mind-blowing visual effects for movies, this field requires complex mathematics, an eye for detail, and a dash of creativity. AI might assist with certain aspects, but the nuanced decisions and optimisations requires human touch. If you have a passion for making pixels dance, this is your stage.

9. Security Engineering

In a world where AI-generated code spreads faster than cat memes, vulnerabilities will increase. Many companies rely heavily on cloud platforms for security, but let's be honest—that's like relying on a paper umbrella in a hurricane when it comes to code-specific vulnerabilities. Security engineers are the superheroes who identify, mitigate, and prevent security breaches.

10. Quality Assurance (QA) Engineering

We've recently witnessed how a single bug can cause massive outages around the world. Remember when half the internet took an unexpected nap because of a tiny glitch?

Even though QA isn't technically all about programming, having that coding background is like having X-ray vision—it really helps you understand where to look when things go haywire. QA engineers ensure that the generated code behaves as expected, in line with quality standards and functional requirements.

Conclusion

While AI is transforming the programming landscape faster than you can say “404 Error,” many specialised areas remain more resilient to automation.

By focusing on fields that require security expertise, creativity, physical interaction, and deep technical knowledge, programmers can future-proof their careers.

Written By Emrah Ozer

Polyglot & multidisciplinary developer for over 20 years, lifelong learner, co-founder of Rightsoft. Follow me on twitter @emrahozer