More training needed to see full AI benefits, warns expert

A tech expert has warned that despite a strong appetite among software developers to build AI and ML skills, there needs to be better in-house support to elevate their skills to a new level.

According to Ronald Binkofski, CEO at STX Next, artificial intelligence and machine learning are here to stay and developers recognise their potential in helping them complete more innovative and ambitious projects.

However, the CEO added that there is still some ground to make up to ensure that developers have the skillset at their disposal to deploy these tools.

“Despite Python’s [a coding language] status as the go-to programming language for AI research and the practical application of ML and data science, it still has room for improvement in terms of functionality,” he said.

A recent report from STX suggested that almost one in three (29%) developers have completed training in artificial intelligence and machine learning, yet only 6% expect to see more of these tools in future versions of Python.

The Python Tech Radar report, which collected insights from a range of Python developers, also found that 17% of respondents see AI, ML, data engineering and data science as the next “big things” in Python, ranking higher than any other area, including performance (15%).

Around one third (36%) are undecided on what the next big things in Python will be, but are curious to find out, and 25% want to enhance their AI and ML skills, only ranking behind more established areas such as software architecture (76%), software development (52%) and leadership (28%).

To meet this demand, Binofski said that future updates to Python – and other popular programming languages – should focus on implementing improved AI and ML tools as a matter of course. He added that “updates to other areas such as performance and security are always crucial, but making it easier to carry out AI-related projects has to be a priority from now on as well.”

Binkofski added: “It’s also vital that developers are given the training they need to deepen their AI and ML skills, outside of the programming process itself.

“If organisations emphasise holistic training for their employees in this area – covering everything from wider AI-related concepts, all the way through to the intricacies of coding for AI – they will set themselves up for a successful future.”

A study at the beginning of May also pointed to appetite for developing AI skills. Over 42% of businesses said they will make this area a training priority in the next five years.