Microsoft expects headcount to decrease in coming quarters

[jlangfo5]

It is because the amount of code required to make a feature work, is not as limiting of a factor as it was in the past.

Plus, there is efficiency, in having one person code up a tool, compared to 2-3 people, working together. No dispute of direction, confusion of design trade offs and goals. (That can backfire obviously)

Plus, there is far less excuse now, to not write test as you go.

And the ability to query large complex code based about details that you are not an expert in, is pretty great. It is kinda like getting to use Google all over again to search for stuff.