Home › Computer & Math › Software Developers

How a software developer can use AI, task by task

O*NET 15-1252.00: Software DevelopersMedian pay $135,980/year (BLS, May 2025)17 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Application Developer, Application Integration Engineer, Developer, DevOps Engineer (Development Operations Engineer), Infrastructure Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 21%AI-assist 66%Stays human 13%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 3 AI-ready, 11 AI-assist and 3 human-led tasks out of 17. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.Build with code · Daily
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.Write it up · Weekly
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.Review & check · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.Lead people · Weekly
Coordinate installation of software system.Lead people · Monthly
Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.Lead people · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 3

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.

System: [network, data warehouse, hardware]
What to test: [functions, integration]

Draft test procedures, cases and expected results. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Test procedure

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures (this week).

Step 2Fill in [System] and [What to test] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the procedure once and fix unclear steps.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop testing routines or procedures.. Also involves: Manage information technology projects or system activities..

Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

Weekly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

Context: We use Structured query language SQL and Amazon Web Services AWS software.
Data: [describe]
Analysis: [purpose]

List cleaning and formatting steps. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Data prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Analysis] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare data for analysis.. Also involves: Assess database performance..

Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 46% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.

Here's what I have for the reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities: [rough notes, the facts, figures and decisions behind it]

Write a clear first draft that I can check and finish. Keep it [one page / short / formal]. Use headings if they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Draft the reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities

Step 1Pull up the last reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities you did, or jot 5 rough bullets for the next one.

Step 2Paste the prompt and put those bullets in [rough notes]. Pick the length in [one page / short / formal].

Step 3Fix every [CHECK] against your source and anything else that's wrong, then compare the time with writing the reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities from scratch.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Communicate project information to others..

AI can help you prep these 11

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.

Daily

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 70% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Program: [what it does now]
Change: [new purpose or improvement]

Propose changes, write the diff with tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Modify a program

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you modify existing software (today).

Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Change] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Modify software programs to improve performance..

Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.

Context: We use SAS; the work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Project: [system, facility]
Needs: [data]

Derive specifications and gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Requirements analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze user needs and software requirements (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements..

Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 48% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.

Product or system: [describe]
Stakeholders: [users, management]

Draft questions to settle requirements. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Specification discussion

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with systems analysts, engineers and programmers and others (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Product or system] and [Stakeholders] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details..

Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 47% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.

Context: We use SAS; the work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Project: [system, facility]
Needs: [data]

Derive specifications and gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Requirements analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze information to determine (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements..

Determine system performance standards.

Weekly

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to determine system performance standards.

Area: [web, systems]
Goals: [describe]

Draft KPIs with definitions and targets. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: IT performance metrics

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine system performance standards (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology..

Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 47% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Software: [describe]
Common problems: [list]

Write clear fixes and when to escalate. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Software support answers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consult with customers or other departments (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Software] and [Common problems] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Provide technical support for software maintenance or use..

Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.

Weekly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Azure software; the work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Program: [what it does now]
Change: [new purpose or improvement]

Propose changes, write the diff with tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Modify a program

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design, develop and modify software systems (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Change] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Modify software programs to improve performance.. Also involves: Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.; Design software applications..

Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.

Issue: [describe]
Who: [vendors, project staff]

Draft a message with facts and needed actions. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: IT issue collaboration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with data processing or project managers (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues..

Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.

Daily

AI suggests causes to test; the hands-on fix is yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 92% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can suggest likely causes and a diagnostic order to try. Hands-on testing and the final fix are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.

Context: We use Linux and UNIX; the work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
System: [application or server]
Symptoms or metrics: [paste]

List likely issues, checks to run, and a daily health checklist. Rank causes from most to least likely with a quick test for each, and flag safety risks.

10-minute exercise: System health check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you monitor functioning of equipment (today).

Step 2Fill in [System] and [Symptoms or metrics] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Adopt the useful parts as your daily routine.

Never follow AI repair steps that bypass safety procedures, lockout/tagout or manufacturer guidance.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation..

Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, or security needs to determine hardware configuration.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, or security needs to determine hardware configuration.

Context: We use SAS and IBM Terraform; the work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Project: [system, facility]
Needs: [data]

Derive specifications and gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Requirements analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats.

Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements..

Train users to use new or modified equipment.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to train users to use new or modified equipment.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Hardware: [describe]
Users: [describe]

Plan a session and quick guide. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Hardware training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train users.

Step 2Fill in [Hardware] and [Users] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Test the guide with a new user.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware..

These stay human 3

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Team: [project team, support staff]
Issue or goal: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Leading an IT team

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise the work of programmers and technologists and technicians (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise information technology personnel..

Coordinate installation of software system.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to coordinate installation of software system.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Install: [hardware, software]
Team and users: [describe]

Plan coordination, communication and rollback. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating an install

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate installation of software system.

Step 2Fill in [Install] and [Team and users] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Coordinate software or hardware installation..

Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a software developer. Part of my job is to supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.

Context: The work draws on computers and electronics, mathematics and customer and personal service.
Team: [project team, support staff]
Issue or goal: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Leading an IT team

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise and assign work to programmers (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise information technology personnel.. Also involves: Assign duties or work schedules to employees..

Get the full prompt pack for Software Developers

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Active Learningimportance 3.5/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Time Managementimportance 3.1/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Persuasionimportance 2.8/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Learning Strategiesimportance 2.6/5
Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Critical Thinkingimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.5/5
Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
Writingimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Active Listeningimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Data Warehousing Specialists0% human-led · Same preparation · $139,500/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Programming
Computer Systems Analysts0% human-led · Same preparation · $105,850/yr · usually associate's degree
Skills to build: Programming, Operations Analysis, Quality Control Analysis
Computer and Information Systems Managers30% human-led · Same preparation · $175,140/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Operations Analysis, Management of Financial Resources, Management of Personnel Resources
Computer Hardware Engineers24% human-led · Same preparation · $161,740/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Operations Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (85% of workers)

High school or less 3%
Certificate or some college 2%
Associate's 5%
Bachelor's 86%
Graduate degree 5%

On-the-job training: 3–6 months
Related experience: 6–8 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAJAXAlteryx softwareAmazon DynamoDBAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon RedshiftAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation