Key Points
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90% of tech workers are already using AI in their daily work.
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Google AI tools and rivals compete for dominance in coding support.
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Entry-level jobs in software development are under pressure.
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Trust in AI code quality remains mixed.
90% of tech workers are using AI, according to a new report from Google’s DORA research division.
Based on 5,000 responses worldwide, the study shows a sharp rise in adoption, up 14% from last year. The data highlights how AI tools are becoming central in software development, changing how engineers work and how companies hire.
The adoption wave comes with both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, AI tools speed up code generation and routine tasks. On the other hand, entry-level jobs in software development are harder to find, as more tasks once reserved for junior engineers shift to automation.
AI tools become a daily necessity
Google AI plays a leading role, with products ranging from free assistants to advanced platforms costing $45 per month. These AI tools generate code, troubleshoot systems, and support deployment. Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, Replit, and Anysphere also compete strongly in the space, pushing adoption forward.
“If you are an engineer at Google, it is unavoidable that you will be using AI as part of your daily work,” said a Google executive in the CNN interview. This reflects how quickly AI is shaping professional life in tech.
Mixed trust in code quality
While use is high, trust in AI code quality is not absolute. The survey shows that 46% of professionals only “somewhat” trust AI output. Another 23% trust it “a little,” and 20% say they trust it “a lot.” This means human oversight remains essential.
On performance, 31% believe AI slightly improved code quality, while 30% say it had no impact. Experts suggest AI in software development is between stage three and four on a five-level maturity scale. It can troubleshoot and assist, but still requires review and safety checks.
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Entry-level jobs under pressure
The rise of AI tools is reshaping hiring. The unemployment rate for recent computer science graduates now exceeds that for majors like art history and English, according to the New York Fed. Job listings for software engineering roles dropped 71% between February 2022 and August 2025, a dramatic shift in the market.
One graduate, Julio Rodriguez, applied to more than 150 jobs before securing a role. His experience reflects the challenge for newcomers entering a market where AI handles more basic coding tasks.
The future of AI in engineering
Still, many in the industry believe AI will not replace every task. Some areas of software development demand creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving beyond the reach of current AI. “Software development is a fashion industry,” one expert said. “When there’s that much conversation, everyone’s just excited to try the new thing.”
From my perspective, the key lies in balance. AI can remove mundane work, but companies need to ensure new engineers gain real experience. Without this, the pipeline of future talent risks drying up.