Renowned Developer Martin Fowler Declares Software Sector in ‘Depression’

URGENT UPDATE: Renowned software engineer Martin Fowler has declared that the software industry is currently in a “depression,” citing a dramatic decrease in investments and ongoing layoffs across the tech sector. Speaking on the November 19, 2025 episode of “The Pragmatic Engineer” podcast, Fowler emphasized the dire state of software engineering amid a staggering 114,000 tech layoffs reported so far this year, compared to 153,000 in all of 2024.

Fowler, the chief scientist at Thoughtworks and co-author of the influential Agile Manifesto, expressed that the current landscape is characterized by “great uncertainty.” He noted that while companies are heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI), traditional software development is suffering due to a lack of funding. “While businesses aren’t investing, it’s hard to make much progress in the software world,” Fowler stated, highlighting the contrast between the stagnant software industry and the “bubbly” AI market.

Junior software engineers face unique challenges in this environment. Fowler pointed out that the unpredictable nature of the AI bubble creates uncertainty for newcomers trying to navigate their careers. “The thing with bubbles is you never know how big they’re going to grow,” he explained. He cautioned that junior engineers may struggle to discern the quality of outputs generated by large language models (LLMs), underscoring the vital role of mentorship from seasoned developers in their learning process.

Fowler’s advice to junior engineers is clear: seek mentorship from experienced colleagues. He described a good mentor as “worth their weight in gold,” emphasizing that guidance from experienced developers is crucial for navigating the complexities of modern software development.

Despite the challenges, Fowler remains optimistic about the future for junior developers. “I don’t think AI is going to wipe out software development,” he asserted, reinforcing the idea that the fundamental skills required in the profession remain unchanged. He encourages aspiring engineers to focus on building these core competencies.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, Fowler’s insights serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the face of disruption. For junior engineers, the path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with the right mentorship and determination, opportunities still exist.

As this situation develops, the impact of ongoing layoffs and shifts in investment strategies will continue to shape the future of software engineering. The urgency is palpable, and the need for resilience in the tech workforce has never been greater. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.