Programmers Won’t Code Anymore — and Neither Will They Count Function Points

This trend reflects a growing recognition that software development is a complex, creative process that cannot be reduced to simplistic metrics. As programmers increasingly adopt agile methodologies and focus on delivering working software, the notion of counting function points becomes increasingly irrelevant. This shift has significant implications for project management, where metrics are often used to drive decision-making and resource allocation. The emphasis on delivering working software rather than meeting arbitrary metrics will continue to transform the industry, with far-reaching consequences for project timelines, budgets, and team dynamics.

ANALYSIS: As the focus on working software grows, the industry will likely see a rise in the use of more nuanced metrics that capture the complexity and variability of software development. Programmers will need to adapt to new ways of measuring productivity and efficiency, which will require a significant shift in mindset and skills. Meanwhile, the decline of function points will also have broader implications for the way we think about software development as a profession, potentially leading to changes in how developers are trained, certified, and rewarded.