Even software developers reach their limits at some point - in such cases, the new AI "superpowers" of software development can help. AI platforms such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are trained on billions of lines of code in various programming languages. They can not only write emails or generate images, but also predict exact lines of code and support developers.

According to Freshworks, a company that develops AI-powered enterprise software, AI-powered programming assistance could increase the performance of software engineers more than tenfold by 2030. In addition to efficiency, the software has another advantage: it increases developer satisfaction and productivity. 60-75% of Copilot users say their work has become more fulfilling and 74% can focus on more satisfying tasks.

AI code assistance is particularly efficient for repetitive tasks, such as generating standard code, explaining errors or creating documentation. Generative coding tools also facilitate the translation of programs between different languages.

AI code assistance can "hallucinate"

Although many companies are still hesitant to integrate AI programming assistance into their development environments (IDEs), change is on the horizon. With the increasing use of AI, companies could experience a significant boost in productivity by 2030 and develop innovative solutions in product and software design, according to Freshworks.

However, experts urge caution. AI code assistance can "hallucinate" and suggest nonsensical code. An AI assistant is not a replacement solution for experienced developers. It requires expertise to check the results and ensure that the suggested code meets expectations. Despite its limitations, AI code assistance could boost the learning curve for less experienced developers and give advanced developers more time for creative tasks. However, organizations must ensure that AI-generated code is reviewed for legal, safety and performance issues to mitigate potential risks.

Overall, AI-supported programming assistance offers a promising future for software development. It could not only optimize programming work, but also support developers in more complex tasks such as selecting the right programming architecture and project management.