The advent of AI in software development is creating a new professional profile: the Software Composer.

This professional profile, though not yet widely recognized by this name, began emerging with the low-code/no-code movement. Some referred to it as a low-code developer (whereas a no-code developer would not make much sense) or app builders. We started being able to create applications with minimal coding, mainly by selecting a platform and using drag-and-drop tools and configurations to build simple applications.

LLMs (Large Language Models), trained on open-source project source code, have made it possible to use natural language to generate computer code.

As a result, the low-code/no-code community found a way to build more complex applications without having to code. New platforms like Bolt and Lovable have emerged and gained popularity.

Although there is a practical complexity limit to the software that can be developed on these platforms, AI-assisted development is here to stay.

For traditional developers, AI is boosting productivity. They now have a coding assistant capable of generating entire functions, assisting with debugging, and running tests.

This combination of factors has made the emergence of this new profile, the Software Composer, more apparent.

How a Software Composer Works

A Software Composer acts as a "software assembler," utilizing AI-powered tools and platforms that eliminate the need to write most of the code manually.

Their work revolves around visual interfaces like drag-and-drop tools and pre-configured settings, but it has been further enhanced by AI. With LLMs, they can describe what they need in natural language—for example, "create a function that validates a form"—and AI generates the corresponding code, both for the frontend and backend. This allows them to surpass the traditional limitations of low-code/no-code, creating more sophisticated applications.

In their daily tasks, a Software Composer:

• Defines project requirements and translates them into practical specifications;
• Selects the best frameworks for each task;
• Builds application structures using visual interfaces and configuration adjustments;
• Uses AI to generate code;
• Tests the results, fixes errors, and ensures everything works as expected;
• Works alongside designers and stakeholders to align the application with user needs.

It is a practical profile focused on quick and accessible results but depends on the capabilities of the tools used.

Comparing the Software Composer and the Software Developer

To understand how these two profiles differ, it is helpful to examine their approaches, skills, and market applications:

While the Software Composer excels in agility and accessibility, the Software Developer stands out in technical depth and the ability to create custom solutions.

Technical Challenges and Strategic Considerations

Despite the advantages in agility and accessibility, the model based on low-code/no-code and AI-powered tools presents significant technical challenges.

Issues such as scalability, security, integration with legacy systems, and dependence on specific platforms can limit the scope of solutions created by Software Composers.

Additionally, the increasing use of these platforms raises concerns about data governance, long-term maintenance, and the risks of vendor lock-in, where companies become trapped in specific tools, limiting their ability to evolve or migrate systems.

These factors make the presence of Software Developers in complex projects even more critical, ensuring that solutions are scalable, secure, and tailored to specific needs.

Market Impact and Professional Profile Evolution

The emergence of the Software Composer is also reshaping the tech job market. Multidisciplinary professionals, who combine technical skills with strategic vision, are gaining ground, while purely technical expertise must continuously evolve.

For traditional developers, this means the need for constant learning, integrating AI tools into their workflows to optimize processes and enhance productivity. For professionals without a formal technical background, the landscape is becoming more inclusive, allowing more people to enter the tech industry through platforms that abstract coding complexities.

Companies are also adapting their team structures. Hybrid teams, composed of both Software Composers and Software Developers, may become common, enabling a flexible and efficient approach to projects that require both speed and technical depth.

Future Outlook: Cooperation Instead of Competition

The evolution of software development will not be marked by a competition between Composers and Developers but by the integration of these roles. The coexistence of these professionals expands the range of possibilities to meet the market’s diverse demands.

Software Composers will be crucial for:

• Rapidly creating prototypes and proofs of concept;
• Developing low-complexity, scalable, and accessible solutions;
• Meeting the growing demand for customized small to medium-sized applications;
• Democratizing software development, making it accessible to non-technical professionals.

Software Developers, on the other hand, will remain indispensable for:

• Designing complex, scalable, high-performance systems;
• Solving critical technical problems requiring advanced expertise;
• Building custom solutions and maintaining robust legacy systems.

The line between these roles will also become more fluid. Developers may take on Composer roles in smaller projects, leveraging AI tools to accelerate the creative process. Similarly, Composers may seek additional technical knowledge to expand their capabilities beyond the limitations imposed by platforms.

This scenario creates a more versatile and efficient ecosystem: on one side, fast and cost-effective solutions; on the other, complex and tailor-made systems.

This integration will drive innovation, addressing the needs of a dynamic and constantly evolving market.

Conclusion

The advancement of artificial intelligence and low-code/no-code platforms is not only transforming how software is developed but also redefining the professional roles involved in the process.

The rise of the Software Composer broadens the spectrum of possibilities, making application development more accessible, agile, and democratic, without eliminating the need for Software Developers, who remain essential for high-complexity and customized projects.

This new dynamic creates an environment where flexibility and collaboration are key to innovation. Companies that successfully integrate these profiles, structuring hybrid teams that leverage the best of each approach, will be better prepared to face market challenges and accelerate their deliveries.

The future of software development will be shaped by this convergence. It is not about choosing between automation and technical expertise but understanding how both can coexist and complement each other to create more efficient, scalable solutions that meet the needs of an ever-evolving world.

Embracing this mindset is not just a competitive advantage; it is an essential strategy to keep pace with the technological transformations reshaping the industry.