AI impact on Development and DevRel

[stevebestone]

Hi there,

I have been learning about DevRel for about a year and am about to get started implementing/adopting it in the organization I work for. As a DevOps Engineer for almost a decade and having worked in IT for close to 20 years, I’ve felt the pain and struggle our devs and engineers nowadays face with this rapid change and tech stack. This is about DevEx and how to understand and support DevEng (Developers and Engineers) in efficiency, effectiveness, and joy.

How about retention and marketing? That’s where I learned about DevRel. With all I’ve learned from DevEx and DevRel, it all makes sense! And there’s no need to convince me about DevRel—I’m already convinced! But that led me to the question: How to convince and establish DevRel and DevEx to those who aren’t, while we are in the middle of the AI era/hype? When some fear and some are highly convinced that AI will improve DevEng productivity—and some even argue that AI will replace Engineering.

A huge wave of layoffs started last year. Tech companies are already announcing reductions of their developers/engineering staff by X%, or, as in the latest example, Salesforce will not acquire any developers in 2025.

I am now fighting with myself about the question: Will DevEx/DevRel in the era of AI still have its relevance? If AI were to replace some or all engineering staff, would DevRel still be a topic/focus?

I am curious about your thoughts, observations, and experiences. Have you already encountered a similar discussion in your work environment?

[lirantal]

I am now fighting with myself about the question: Will DevEx/DevRel in the era of AI still have its relevance? If AI were to replace some or all engineering staff, would DevRel still be a topic/focus?

Solely my own opinion, but the DevRel take is just like the one with devs - DevRel folks who utilize AI and LLMs will be more successful due to the productivity gains, efficiency and such. I hardly see a DevRel role entirely removed due to the human aspect (hint: the second word in DevRel stands for Relationships and those you do with other humans, not with machines). Is it likely DevRel departments get WFR cuts because of efficiency gain? yes.

[lirantal]

On a related note, welcome to the DevRel thing, Steve. Excited to see more folks and from different fields all around just eager to do more here. Congrats for making the move 🤗🎉