AI agents are automating repetitive tasks
AI agents are fundamentally changing how software is built. They handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks that used to slow down development teams—things like debugging, data cleaning, and running basic tests. This means shifting human focus to what actually matters—big problems, high-impact decision-making, and system architecture.
Developers are fully onboard with this shift. A recent Salesforce survey found that 96% of them believe AI will reshape their work for the better. Even more telling, 92% prefer to be measured by the impact of their work rather than raw output. This signals a broader industry transformation—one where developers are writing lines of code to solve real business challenges.
Alice Steinglass, EVP & GM of Platform, Integration, and Automation at Salesforce, puts it simply: AI agents are making software development “faster, more efficient, and more enjoyable.” That’s what innovation should do—eliminate drudgery and unlock human potential.
AI agents are becoming essential in app development
In software development, AI is becoming a foundational tool. In the UK and Ireland, developers overwhelmingly expect AI agents to become indispensable, rivaling traditional software resources. But how they use AI varies.
UK developers see AI as a way to refine AI-generated code and improve collaboration with business stakeholders. Irish developers are more focused on using AI for code optimization, oversight, and even writing entirely new code. This regional difference highlights how AI adoption is driven by specific business needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
“For executives, this means AI strategy has to be tailored. The right AI applications depend on how your teams work and what problems they need to solve. Companies that integrate AI effectively will innovate smarter.”
Low-code/no-code platforms are accelerating AI adoption
Building AI solutions used to require deep technical expertise. That’s no longer the case. Low-code and no-code platforms are putting AI development in the hands of a much broader workforce, making it easier to experiment, iterate, and deploy AI-driven solutions at scale.
Adoption rates tell the story. In the UK, 78% of developers using AI agents already rely on low-code/no-code tools. That figure jumps to 79% in Ireland. Executives should pay attention: this is how AI scales beyond specialized engineering teams. These platforms speed up development and allow a wider range of employees to contribute to AI innovation.
In Ireland, 90% of developers believe these platforms are crucial for scaling AI across organizations. The ability to rapidly prototype and deploy AI solutions without waiting for high-level engineers to do all the work is a game-changer.
AI agents are slashing development timelines
AI is radically accelerating development. Look at what Secret Escapes, a luxury travel company, accomplished. They used Salesforce’s AI Agent Builder to develop and deploy an AI agent in just two weeks. That same process would have taken six months using traditional methods.
This is a fundamental shift. Faster development cycles mean faster time-to-market. Companies that embrace AI-driven software development will outpace competitors that are still stuck in old workflows.
For executives, this is about adaptability. Markets shift fast. Customer expectations change overnight. AI-powered development lets companies respond in real time. The organizations that move fastest will win.
Infrastructure and data quality are key barriers to AI adoption
AI’s potential is clear, but execution is everything. Right now, many companies aren’t fully prepared. The biggest issues? Outdated infrastructure and inconsistent data quality.
AI is only as good as the data it learns from. If a company’s data is fragmented or unreliable, AI performance will suffer. According to Salesforce, 78% of UK developers and 84% of Irish developers say their organizations need major infrastructure upgrades before they can fully leverage AI agents.
Executives should see this as a priority investment. The best AI models in the world won’t help if the underlying data isn’t structured properly. Getting AI right starts with a strong data foundation and modern infrastructure capable of supporting real-time processing and automation.
Testing limitations are slowing AI adoption
There’s a bottleneck in AI adoption that many companies don’t talk about: testing. AI-generated code needs robust testing frameworks, but many organizations still rely on outdated quality assurance methods that weren’t designed for AI-driven development.
Salesforce’s research highlights the problem: 40% of UK developers and 46% of Irish developers say their current testing systems aren’t fully prepared for AI integration. That’s a problem because AI-generated code evolves. Without dynamic, AI-driven testing systems, businesses risk deploying unreliable or even flawed AI applications.
The solution is clear. Companies need to invest in AI-powered testing and continuous integration tools that keep up with the speed of AI development. Businesses that solve this problem first will deploy AI more confidently, with fewer risks and fewer failures.
The AI skills gap is a major industry challenge
AI is quickly becoming a baseline skill in software development. Yet, many developers don’t feel ready. According to Salesforce, 81% of UK developers and 68% of Irish developers believe AI knowledge will soon be a core requirement. But here’s the catch: 51% of UK developers and 54% of Irish developers don’t feel equipped for this shift.
This is both a workforce problem and a leadership problem. Companies that don’t invest in AI training will fall behind. The organizations that build AI fluency into their culture now will have a massive advantage in the next decade.
“For executives, the takeaway is clear. Invest in upskilling programs, AI-driven internal training, and hands-on AI projects. Companies that treat AI education as a core business function will lead the industry.”
AI agents represent a generational shift in software development
AI agents are fundamentally changing how software is built, and the shift is happening fast. Developers no longer see AI as a job threat—they see it as a force multiplier.
The numbers prove it. 96% of developers in Salesforce’s study are enthusiastic about AI’s role in software development, and 92% believe it will advance their careers. This is a defining moment for the industry.
For executives, this is an opportunity to rethink how software teams operate. AI is shifting developers away from repetitive coding tasks and into more strategic, high-value roles. This means companies should rethink hiring, training, and team structures. The businesses that adapt quickly will build stronger, more agile teams capable of solving bigger problems.
The AI-driven era is here. The question for every executive is simple: will your company be the one setting the pace, or struggling to keep up?
Final thoughts
AI is making developer jobs more valuable. The shift is already happening. AI agents are handling the tedious work, freeing developers to focus on bigger, more strategic challenges. This is all about impact. The companies that recognize this shift and invest in AI-driven development will move faster, build smarter, and stay ahead.
But embracing AI takes real investment—in infrastructure, in data quality, and in people. Developers need the right training to thrive in an AI-powered future. Testing systems need to evolve to keep up. And businesses need leaders who see AI not as a cost-cutting measure, but as a force multiplier for innovation.
