AI Paradox: Experienced Developers Face 19% Productivity Slowdown Amidst Calls for Faster Building

A recent social media post by investor and entrepreneur Rohit Mittal has ignited a discussion regarding the evolving landscape of software development, highlighting a perceived tension between traditional software engineers and non-technical individuals leveraging artificial intelligence. Mittal observed a growing friction, stating, "All the software developers are fighting non-tech people, who can build a basic version with AI and then ask software engineers why can’t they build things faster." He concluded, "I don’t know who is right. But I do think everyone should be building faster than ever before.

The rise of "citizen developers" is a key factor in this debate. AI-powered tools, particularly generative AI and low-code/no-code platforms, are democratizing software creation, enabling non-technical business users to rapidly prototype and build functional applications. This empowers individuals with domain expertise to address their own technological needs, reducing reliance on traditional IT departments and accelerating initial development phases.

However, the impact of AI on experienced developers presents a more complex picture. A July 2025 study by Metr.org revealed a surprising finding: AI tools caused experienced open-source developers to take 19% longer to complete tasks compared to working without AI. This contradicts developer expectations of increased speed and suggests that while AI holds promise, its current implementation can introduce unforeseen inefficiencies for seasoned professionals.

Despite these challenges, the broader industry continues to embrace AI as a productivity enhancer. IBM notes that generative AI and large language models streamline the development cycle by automating tasks from code generation to testing. A September 2025 Bain report indicates modest productivity boosts of 10-15% from AI assistants, but emphasizes that significant gains require integrating AI across the entire software development lifecycle, not just coding, and reallocating saved time to higher-value work.

As the industry grapples with these dynamics, the call for accelerated development remains prominent. Rohit Mittal, a co-founder and investor active in the AI space, reflects a widespread sentiment that faster innovation is crucial. The ongoing integration of AI into software development necessitates a strategic approach to ensure that technological advancements translate into genuine efficiency gains across all levels of expertise.