Software Developers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 15 (79%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (16%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (5%)

• Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Coordinate installation of software system.AI can speed this up on its own
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Determine system performance standards.AI can speed this up on its own
• Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, or security needs to determine hardware configuration.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Specify power supply requirements and configuration.AI can speed this up on its own
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.AI can speed this up on its own
• Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.AI can speed this up on its own
• Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
• Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, or humidity in area of system installation.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Train users to use new or modified equipment.Little or no AI speed-up