Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu expressed concerns about how artificial intelligence (AI) could change the structure of software teams. In a post on the microblogging platform This change, he warns, could impact the training of future architects. In the post, Sridhar Vembu further writes that today’s senior architects need to understand both the technical requirements and the entire technology stack to effectively control AI tools and refine their outputs. “AI makes senior architects more productive and reduces the need for junior engineers,” he writes in the post, adding: “The architect must have a good understanding of the requirements and technology stack in order to control the AI and fine-tune its output.”“But if we don’t have young engineers, we can’t train the next generation of architects – because how does someone become a software architect without being a young engineer first? I’m still thinking about how to solve that,” he continues.Vembu’s comments reflect a broader debate in the technology sector, where AI tools such as coding assistants and autonomous agents are increasingly taking over tasks traditionally given to young engineers. Experts have raised concerns about AI’s potential to change the way tech careers begin.
Sridhar Vembu’s post sparks discussion
Vembu’s post sparked discussions among engineers and social media users. In response to his post, one user writes: “We still have some programmers who understand assembly languages. I think there will always be some engineers who want to dig deeper. I think demand will play a role.” “Change the career ladder, not the headcount. Retain junior talent, but redefine their role: AI-powered engineers, not manual programmers.” Bring juniors into design, reviews, systems thinking and trade-off discussions earlier while the AI takes care of the standard work,” suggested another. “With AI, all unsolved intermittent step problems will become viable business problems. This will open up new markets for these middle step problems for entrepreneurs. So we will see waves of new-age entrepreneurs with many solopreneurs,” a third user commented.
