Software Pioneer Martin Fowler Calls Tech Industry in ‘Depression’

UPDATE: In a striking assessment, renowned software developer Martin Fowler declares the software engineering sector is currently in a “depression” due to plummeting investments and rampant layoffs. This urgent warning comes as 114,000 tech employees have lost their jobs in 2025 alone, a staggering figure tracked by Layoffs.ai.

During a recent episode of “The Pragmatic Engineer” podcast, Fowler outlined the grim state of the industry on November 19, 2025. Major tech companies are making drastic cuts, signaling a shift in how businesses allocate resources in a time of unprecedented uncertainty. Fowler, who serves as chief scientist at Thoughtworks, stated, “While businesses aren’t investing, it’s hard to make much progress in the software world.”

This bleak landscape is compounded by the growing focus on artificial intelligence, which Fowler describes as a “bubble” detached from the core software development sector. “AI is pouring money into a separate thing that’s clearly bubbly,” he warned, highlighting the unpredictability that junior engineers face today.

Fowler emphasizes the importance of mentorship for those just starting their careers in software engineering. He advises junior engineers to seek guidance from seasoned developers, noting that having a knowledgeable mentor can be “worth their weight in gold.” This is crucial as many new developers struggle to discern the value of outputs generated by large language models (LLMs).

Despite the current challenges, Fowler remains optimistic about the future. He reassures aspiring software engineers that the essential skills required for success haven’t changed significantly over the years. “There’s plenty of potential in the future,” he said, reflecting on the enduring demand for skilled developers.

Fowler, a pivotal figure in the software community and co-author of the Agile Manifesto, acknowledges that while the timing may seem unfavorable compared to two decades ago, the fundamentals of software development remain intact. He firmly believes that “AI is not going to wipe out software development.”

As the software industry grapples with these pressing issues, the impact on junior engineers is palpable. Many are left navigating a precarious job market and evolving technologies, underscoring the urgent need for support and mentorship.

Investors and industry leaders are watching closely as these developments unfold. The future of software engineering hangs in the balance, and the call for investment in the field has never been more critical.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this evolving situation and provide updates on the state of the software industry and its workforce.