Software Pioneer Martin Fowler Declares Industry in ‘Depression’

UPDATE: Renowned software developer Martin Fowler has declared that the software engineering field is currently experiencing a significant “depression,” primarily due to a lack of investment. In a revealing discussion on the November 19 episode of “The Pragmatic Engineer” podcast, Fowler detailed the challenges facing junior engineers amidst widespread industry layoffs.

As of 2025, Layoffs.ai reports approximately 114,000 tech jobs have been cut this year alone, a stark contrast to the 153,000 layoffs recorded in all of 2024. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for junior developers to navigate their careers wisely. Fowler emphasized that while there is a surge in funding for artificial intelligence, the overall software landscape is suffering from a lack of investment and growth.

“The software industry is in a depression,” Fowler stated. “Businesses are not investing, making it hard to make progress in software development.” He elaborated that despite the AI sector experiencing a “bubble,” this growth is disconnected from the broader software development challenges.

For junior engineers, the unpredictable nature of the AI bubble poses unique risks. Fowler warned, “You never know how big these bubbles will grow or when they might pop.” He urged newcomers to seek mentorship from seasoned developers, asserting that “a good experienced mentor is worth their weight in gold.” This guidance is crucial as junior developers may struggle to gauge the quality of outputs generated by large language models (LLMs).

Fowler, a pivotal figure in software engineering and one of the authors of the 2001 Agile Manifesto, expressed cautious optimism for the future of the industry. He reassured aspiring developers that although the current landscape is challenging, the core skills needed in software development have not changed dramatically.

“I don’t think AI is going to wipe out software development,” he affirmed. “There’s plenty of potential in the future.” This message comes as a beacon of hope for those entering the field during this turbulent time.

As the tech industry grapples with uncertainty, Fowler’s insights underscore the importance of mentorship and skill development for junior engineers. The software landscape may be in turmoil, but with the right guidance, the next generation of developers can still find their footing.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops, and consider sharing this article to inform fellow developers about Fowler’s crucial advice.