Junior developers becoming dependent on AI

More than two-thirds of developers are using AI to get work done, but their dependence on the technology varies by job role and experience level, according to a Docker survey of 855 developers. 

Junior back-end and full-stack developers are on average nearly twice as reliant on AI tools as their senior counterparts, Docker found. 

AI models and tools are already transforming software development processes, Docker concluded. “The uptake of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot and Bard, among developers, is a testament to AI’s value in the development process,” the company said in the report. 

AI-powered tools to speed up the development process are gaining enterprise traction.  

Three-quarters of software engineers will use AI coding assistants by 2028, according to Gartner. While usage is growing and expected to accelerate, CIOs remain wary of the technology’s potential shortcomings. 

IT leaders can take steps to relieve safety and governance concerns. But it’s still early in the adoption process and best practices are emerging. 

Most organizations have yet to adopt coding-assisting security protocols or install guardrails to protect data and detect poor code quality. AI-powered developer tools typically interact with internal code bases containing critical information. 

Enterprises are nonetheless acclimating to the technology, accepting some level of risk in return for better experiences, faster processes and improved workflows. For organizations moving forward on pilot projects and deployments, tech leaders will need to ensure training is part of the rollout process.