Google CEO : Will AI Replace Programmers? Sunder Pichai

Sundar Pichai on the Future of Programming: AI is an Opportunity, Not a Threat

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at breakneck speed, one question looms large for many developers: Will AI replace programmers? According to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, the answer is far more nuanced — and ultimately hopeful.

Speaking in a recent conversation with a tech anchor, Pichai addressed the growing concern that tools like Gemini — Google’s powerful AI model with both agentic and large language capabilities — could displace programmers from their roles. He acknowledged the rapid advancement of AI-assisted coding, but emphasized that it's not about replacing developers, rather enhancing their productivity and unlocking new possibilities.

"Across Google, we've seen a 10% increase in engineering velocity thanks to AI," said Pichai. "That's a significant number when you're talking about tens of thousands of engineers. It’s not just about code generation — it's about actual productivity."

Google estimates that about 30% of code now involves AI-generated suggestions. But more telling than lines of code is the broader impact: developers are getting more time to focus on creative and strategic tasks like system design, problem-solving, and brainstorming. AI is helping to reduce the repetitive "grunt work," allowing programmers to engage in the more rewarding aspects of software engineering.

Pichai was quick to point out that this progress doesn’t mean fewer jobs — in fact, it means more. “We plan to hire more engineers next year,” he said. “The opportunity space is expanding, and AI is helping us go after bigger challenges.”

One of the key trends Pichai highlighted is the democratization of creation. With AI making programming more accessible, more people — including those who aren’t traditionally trained engineers — can build software and bring their ideas to life. This mirrors trends seen in other fields, like chess, where AI has boosted global participation rather than reduced it.

On a personal note, Pichai reflected on the power of these tools even for casual coders: “I think I’m about 5x more productive now, even with programming as a side thing.” This increase in efficiency, especially when working with large codebases, is poised to grow even more as Google’s agentic capabilities improve.

One particularly transformative shift is AI's growing awareness of entire codebases, thanks to tools like Cursor integrated with Gemini. This gives developers the ability to query and navigate vast code structures more efficiently — a major breakthrough for tasks like migration and refactoring.

“The Google codebase itself could become easier to understand, more standardized, and therefore more maintainable — all thanks to AI,” he noted. “And when AI better understands the codebase, it can assist more intelligently, creating a virtuous cycle.”

On the topic of hiring and Google's famously challenging coding interviews, Pichai acknowledged that AI is changing the landscape. While traditional whiteboard tests still have their place, Google is evolving its approach. "We’re making sure at least one in-person round tests the fundamentals," he said, "but the ability to use AI tools effectively is becoming just as valuable a skill."

Ultimately, Pichai offered a reassuring vision: a future where AI elevates the role of the programmer rather than diminishes it.

“If tomorrow, you could magically become twice as productive, you’d simply create more — and find more satisfaction in your work.”

In a world increasingly influenced by intelligent machines, it’s not about human vs. AI, but about humans working with AI. And for software developers, the message from Google’s CEO is clear: adapt, embrace the tools, and you’ll thrive in the era of AI.