Derek Holt, CEO of Digital.ai, discusses the impact of AI on software development in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The global pandemic of 2020 has accelerated the shift towards high-value applications, forcing businesses to reevaluate legacy approaches to software development. One key area where AI is making an early impact is in AI-assisted coding, allowing developers to write code more quickly and increase productivity.
While AI-assisted coding holds the promise of faster innovation, the lack of clear productivity metrics and automation across the software supply chain poses a challenge. The existing fragmented processes in many enterprise development organizations could limit the impact of AI and expose risks in an AI-driven world. To fully harness the potential benefits of AI in coding, increased automation, governance, compliance, and performance measurement are essential.
Recent research shows that developer-focused co-pilots using generative AI can significantly boost developer productivity. Organizations that embrace modern approaches to software development, including planning, product-centric thinking, DevSecOps, and automation, are likely to see greater business outcomes in the AI revolution. On the other hand, companies with inefficient, manual, or outdated processes may face challenges in integrating AI-assisted coding effectively and may experience bottlenecks in quality, security, and release processes.
As the business process of software development undergoes a transformation, organizations must prioritize testing, security, release, and deployment capabilities to keep pace with innovations in coding. Companies that can adopt AI-assisted coding approaches safely and securely will gain a competitive advantage in a hyper-competitive market. It is crucial for businesses to ensure that their infrastructure, governance, AI skills, and use cases are aligned with AI-assisted coding implementation to maximize its benefits.
In the next article, Derek Holt will explore the hidden security risks of AI-assisted software development. Forbes Business Council, where Derek Holt is a member, is a leading organization for business owners and leaders seeking growth opportunities and networking connections. The evolution of software development with AI presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses as they navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape.
