In 2028, 75 % of software developers will use artificial intelligence in their work, according to market research company Gartner. At the beginning of 2023, this figure was less than 10 %. How can this expected increase be explained? According to Gartner, AI code assistants are already being tested or used in over 60 % per cent of companies. The question on the minds of many in the industry is: will AI be a short-lived trend or will it challenge and reshape the traditional paradigms of software development? To answer this question, the basics of artificial intelligence in software development are summarised below. 

What is AI in software development? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) in software development refers to the Integration of AI technologies, in particular techniques from the machine learning and natural language processingto automate and optimise various phases of the development process. It facilitates the understanding of code, optimises the tasks of developers and thus promotes the creation of high-quality software.  

AI-supported software development enables programmes to adapt to new user requirements and external changes. This approach ensures that software not only reacts, but is proactively developed and optimised. In this partnership, the developer does not work in isolation, but is supported by an intelligent AI assistant that takes on complex tasks and allows the human colleague to focus on higher goals. 

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Where is AI used in software development? 

The integration of AI in software development opens up many opportunities to increase productivity and efficiency. Frequent use is made of Artificial intelligence in the areas: 

1. Automatic code generationAI can be used to generate code automatically by learning from existing code bases. This allows developers to work faster and reduces the likelihood of human error.  
2. Quality assurance and testingTo identify bugs and performance issues in software products, AI tools can automatically generate and execute test cases. These systems use machine learning to learn from previous test results and improve the effectiveness of future tests. 
3. Generation of text, images, videos and sound: With the help of generators and Large Language Models (LLMs) developers and designers have a virtual assistant at their side to generate creative content, create prototypes or simply find inspiration. 
4. Project managementAI can be used to improve the Project management by optimising project planning, allocating resources more effectively and better assessing risks. 
5. User customisation and experienceBy analysing user behaviour and preferences, AI can be used to personalise the user experience. Software applications can automatically adapt to offer more relevant content or features, which can improve user retention and satisfaction. 
6. Intelligent assistants and chatbots: Chatbots and other assistants use AI to simulate human conversations and provide automated support or customer care. They can respond programmatically to customer enquiries and learn over time how to improve their responses. 

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AI-supported applications in software development

Generative AI-supported applications are particularly important in software development and can support developers in various areas, from code assistance to process documentation. Here are some of the most popular applications at the moment: 

GPT-4

GPT-4 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4) is a Artificial neural networkwhich was developed by OpenAI. It is a further development of GPT-3 and is based on the Transformer architecturewhich is particularly effective at processing and generating natural language. With the help of prompts (text input), it can write texts, answer questions, create summaries, generate code and interact in different contexts and languages. It is used in a variety of applications via an interface, including chatbots, text editors and educational tools.

Application and benefits

GPT-4 can perform a wide range of tasks, including

• Automation of documentationGPT-4 is able to efficiently create and update technical documentation, saving time and increasing accuracy.
• Versatile text generationGPT-4 can generate high-quality text in a variety of styles and formats, making it ideal for content creation, marketing, customer communications and more.
• Improving customer supportIntegration with customer support systems enables GPT-4 to provide fast and accurate responses to user enquiries.
• Code generation and checkingIt can also help with code generation and give developers feedback on code quality and optimisation suggestions.

GitHub Copilot + Chat

GitHub Copilot + Chat is an extension of the original GitHub Copilot, an AI-assisted programming tool based on OpenAI's Codex. It uses AI to generate code suggestions in real time based on the comments and code that developers write. The chat feature allows developers to interact directly with Copilot in natural language to get more accurate code suggestions and discuss solutions, increasing development efficiency.

Application and benefits

GitHub Copilot + Chat serves as an assistant for code generation and thus offers the following advantages:

• Efficiency increaseIt generates code suggestions and offers solutions in real time, significantly reducing development time.
• Improved code qualityAI supports compliance with best practices and standards, which improves the reliability and maintainability of the code.
• Learning aidNew and less experienced developers can learn from the suggestions and improve their understanding of programming languages and techniques.

Codium

Codium is an AI-based coding tool designed to accelerate software development by automating routine tasks such as code completion and test generation. It supports over 70 Programming languages and integrates seamlessly into common development environments (IDEs). Codium offers developers state-of-the-art suggestion quality and fast response times. In addition, Codium also includes chat features that allow developers to interact with the tool in natural language to receive specific and contextualised coding assistance.

Application and benefits

Codium brings several advantages for developers when creating code:

• Productivity increaseBy automating code completion and generating suggestions, Codium helps developers to code faster and more efficiently.
• Quality improvementCodium supports compliance with best practices and coding standards, which helps to improve code quality.
• Accelerated learning curvesFor less experienced developers, Codium can serve as a learning tool by providing examples and instructions for effective programming.

Tabnine

Tabnine is an AI-powered code assistant that helps software developers to programme faster and more efficiently. This tool uses machine learning to make code suggestions in real time and supports a variety of programming languages. Tabnine can generate complete blocks of code, understand function declarations and translate natural language comments into code. It is known to automate over 30 % of coding tasks, relying on data from publicly available sources and using Data protection and Compliance guaranteed.

Application and benefits

Tabnine offers several advantages as a code assistant that make it a valuable tool:

• Increased efficiencyTabnine automates over 30 % of coding tasks, helping developers write code faster and reduce development time.
• Improved code qualityTabnine supports developers in writing clean and maintainable code through precise code suggestions and adherence to best practices.
• Context-aware suggestionsTabnine can understand the context of the existing code and make relevant suggestions that fit the current task.

AI Query

AI Query is a platform that uses artificial intelligence to create complex SQL queries from simple English statements. This technology, which is based on AI models such as OpenAI GPT and Google PaLM 2, enables users to quickly and efficiently generate SQL queries without the need for in-depth knowledge of SQL. This enables developers, data analysts and business analysts to manipulate and analyse data more efficiently. It is also a valuable tool for educational purposes, especially in computer science and data management courses, and facilitates the learning and teaching of SQL through interactive features.

Application and benefits

AI Query aims to simplify the process of SQL query creation, which results in several advantages:

• Efficiency increaseBy automatically converting plain English statements into complex SQL queries, AI Query speeds up the process of data retrieval, reducing software development time and time to market. Data analyses considerably shortened.
• AccessibilityAI Query makes the creation of SQL queries accessible to users without extensive SQL knowledge. This democratises access to Database interactions within organisations and lowers the entry barriers for new users.
• Accuracy and precisionBy using AI models, AI Query ensures that the generated SQL queries are both accurate and optimised for performance. This minimises errors and improves the Quality of data analysis.

Midjourney

Midjourney is a generative AI programme developed by an independent research laboratory in San Francisco. It transforms text descriptions (prompts) into images and is therefore in direct competition with other image generators such as OpenAI's DALL-E and Stability AI's Stable Diffusion. This technology enables users to generate detailed and creative images using simple natural language input. Midjourney is particularly popular with artists, designers and content creators as it opens up a new form of visual creativity and pushes the boundaries of machine creativity.

Application and benefits

Midjourney can be a valuable partner in software development, especially in areas that require visual content and design:

• Rapid prototyping: Developers and designers can quickly create visual prototypes or mockups of User interfaces create. This speeds up the design process by immediately generating visual feedback that can be used for further discussion and iteration.
• Expansion of creative possibilitiesMidjourney can help to develop innovative and unique visual concepts. This can be particularly useful for generating fresh ideas for user interfaces, advertising materials or even for designing game graphics.
• Improvement of presentations and documentationSoftware projects often benefit from high-quality graphical representations to make complex information understandable. Midjourney can generate appealing images for technical documentation, user manuals or presentations that improve communication within a team or with stakeholders.
• Automation of design tasksMidjourney can automate recurring or standardised design tasks, such as the creation of icons, layouts or even complete themes for software applications. This saves time and resources.

Scribe AI

Scribe AI is an AI-supported tool that specialises in creating process documentation automatically. It is primarily used to generate detailed step-by-step instructions, user manuals, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and help centres. Scribe AI facilitates the documentation of business processes by tracking users' workflows and creating visual instructions with text, links and annotated screenshots on this basis.

Application and benefits

By using Scribe AI, organisations can improve their documentation practices while reducing the associated costs and effort:

• Save time and increase efficiencyBy automating the creation of process documentation, companies can save a considerable amount of time. This allows employees to focus on more complex and value-adding activities.
• Improving accuracyScribe AI minimises human error in documentation by creating accurate and consistent instructions based on actual user interactions.
• Easier scalabilityWith Scribe AI, organisations can quickly create documentation for new processes or updated procedures, which is particularly useful in fast-growing or rapidly changing environments.
• Promoting the transfer of knowledgeBy creating easy-to-understand instructions and documentation, Scribe AI supports the transfer of knowledge within an organisation and improves the training of new employees.

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Challenges and benefits of integrating AI

At the moment, there are numerous proponents of the use of AI who cite the many advantages of such an implementation. At the same time, however, there are also voices that are sceptical or even opposed to the integration of artificial intelligence into software development. Above all, they emphasise the disadvantages or, more precisely, the challenges that can be associated with the integration of AI. Some of the central arguments of both groups are presented below: 

Advantages of AI integration 

1. Efficiency increaseAI can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, which speeds up the development process and increases productivity.  
2. Quality improvementAI can help improve code quality and reduce the likelihood of bugs in production code through automated testing and error detection. 
3. Innovative solutionsAI enables new approaches to solving problems in software development, such as generating code from natural language or optimising system architectures through machine learning. 
4. Personalised experiencesAI can help to create personalised user experiences by analysing user behaviour and making adjustments based on this. 
5. Support with decision-makingAI can analyse large amounts of development data in order to identify trends and make recommendations for future development directions. 

Challenges of AI integration 

1. Complexity of the implementationIntegration of AI into existing systems can be complex and resource-intensive. It requires specialised knowledge and often also a comprehensive revision of the existing architecture. 
2. Data dependencyAI systems require large amounts of high quality data to be effective. Collecting and processing this data can be difficult, especially in areas with privacy concerns. 
3. Transparency and traceabilityAI decisions are often not easy to understand, especially with models such as deep neural networks. This can make it difficult to rectify errors and reduce the acceptance of AI solutions. 
4. Ethical and legal issuesThe use of AI raises questions regarding data protection, ethical responsibility and liability. It is important that AI systems are developed and used fairly, impartially and in compliance with applicable laws. 
5. Resistance to changeIn some organisations, the introduction of AI can meet with resistance, whether due to fears about jobs or a reluctance to embrace new technologies. Overcoming this resistance often requires extensive training and change management processes. 

The integration of AI in software development offers enormous potential for improving efficiency, quality and innovation, but requires careful planning and implementation in order to overcome the associated challenges. 

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Can AI take the pressure off software developers? 

The role of software developers is changing due to the increased use of AI. These changes are diverse and affect both the technical aspects of software development as well as the organisational and professional landscape.  

As already described, AI is suitable for Automation of routine taskssuch as writing standard code, debugging and testing software. This can increase productivity and allow developers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work. Which also often increases their satisfaction. Project and time management can also be positively influenced by AI. For example, AI-driven dashboards can provide real-time updates on the progress of a project and issue early warnings if projects are off course.  

The The introduction of AI in software development requires strong internal communication and trainingto ensure that all team members understand and can effectively utilise the new tools and processes. Companies need to invest in comprehensive training programmes to bring their employees up to speed with the latest technology and ensure they can take full advantage of AI. 

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How is AI affecting the labour market for developers? 

Artificial intelligence will not replace software developers in the near future. Human qualities such as empathy and creative problem-solving, which are central to IT and software development, will remain irreplaceable. Instead AI can act as a tool to increase productivity and compensate for knowledge deficitsespecially in areas with a shortage of skilled labour. This is because the demand for well-trained employees is constantly high (Figure 1). In 2023, there were 149,000 vacancies in the IT sector in Germany. New approaches, such as the implementation of AI, are needed to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. 

Both large and small companies can improve their efficiency through AI-powered automation without downsizing their workforce. Although advanced AI applications can lower the barriers to entry into software development, this could also depress average wages. The deeper social and economic consequences of these technological developments call for a comprehensive discussion about the future of labour. 

How will AI-supported software development change the IT landscape in the future? 

Artificial intelligence is likely to be far more than just a passing trend. It has already begun to influence and change the traditional way of working in software development. It is expected to shorten development cycles, increase productivity and enable new innovative applications to be created faster than ever before. This development could ultimately lead to an improvement in the quality of software products, while at the same time reducing the cost of their development. And innovation is not slowing down: Agent-based modelling is introducing another generation of software tools to the industry that automate and optimise various facets of the development process through AI-driven 'agents'. As they mature, agent-based tools have the potential to fundamentally transform software development. However, the growing use of AI in software development will also increase the need for ethical guidelines and governance models. Issues such as data protection, fairness and transparency of AI decisions will come to the fore.  

Only time will tell what further developments will follow. However, the prevailing opinion among industry experts is that the implementation of AI will have a profound impact not only on the IT industry, but on many other sectors of the economy by accelerating digital transformation and forming the basis for future growth and innovation.