The Potential of Generative AI in Software Development: A Survey by Capgemini Research Institute

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been revolutionizing various industries, and the software development sector is no exception. Generative AI, in particular, has been making waves in the software engineering community, with its potential extending far beyond just writing code. A recent survey by the Capgemini Research Institute shed light on the various applications of Gen AI in software development lifecycle activities, such as code modernization and user experience design.

According to the survey, a significant number of software engineers are already leveraging Gen AI tools to assist them in their tasks, with both senior and junior professionals reporting higher levels of satisfaction from using these tools. The survey also highlighted the potential risks associated with the rapid adoption of unauthorised Gen AI tools, such as functional, security, and legal issues.

Pierre-Yves Glever, head of global cloud & custom applications at Capgemini, emphasized the importance of a holistic software engineering approach when incorporating generative AI into the development process. He stressed the need for proper governance, oversight, and a focus on generating genuine value through the use of these tools.

Looking ahead, Gen AI is expected to play a crucial role in augmenting the software workforce, with a significant impact on software design, development, and testing work in the coming years. Software professionals believe that automating repetitive tasks with Gen AI tools will free up their time to focus on higher-value tasks, ultimately transforming the way software engineering functions.

While the adoption of generative AI in software engineering is still in its early stages, organizations that have embraced Gen AI initiatives are already reaping multiple benefits, including fostering innovation, improving software quality, and boosting productivity. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Gen AI shapes the future of software development and collaboration between technical and non-technical teams.