GitLab’s 8th Annual Global DevSecOps Report: Insights on Software Development in Australia

The software development landscape in Australia is rapidly evolving, and the recently released 8th edition of GitLab’s Global DevSecOps Report sheds light on the dynamics shaping the industry. The report reveals a mix of sentiments regarding security, developer productivity, and the role of AI in software development.

One of the standout findings from the report is that Australia leads the way in AI implementation, with 62% of respondents integrating AI into their processes. This rate surpasses that of other major markets like Germany, Japan, France, the U.S., and the U.K. However, there is also a significant level of concern among Australian participants about the risks associated with AI integration.

Developer productivity is another key focus for Australian organizations, with 66% of respondents emphasizing the importance of measuring developer productivity for business growth. Despite this recognition, a majority of respondents express dissatisfaction with their current methods of productivity measurement, highlighting an area for improvement.

The pace of software delivery in Australia is commendable, with 65% of respondents indicating that they are shipping software at least twice as fast as the previous year. However, the challenge of tool consolidation persists, as over half of respondents report using between 6-15+ tools for software development and express a desire to streamline their toolchains for greater efficiency.

Security remains a prominent concern in the Australian software development landscape, particularly in relation to the software supply chain. The report reveals that a high percentage of developers in Australia rely on open-source libraries for their code, yet only a fraction are using a software bill of materials to document their software components. Additionally, organizational red tape often impedes efforts to address vulnerabilities promptly.

Overall, the findings of the report provide valuable insights into the state of software development in Australia, highlighting areas of progress and areas in need of attention. By focusing on improving AI implementation, developer productivity measurement, tool consolidation, and security practices, Australian organizations can accelerate innovation and drive business growth in the ever-evolving software industry.