A recent study reveals that an overwhelming 85% of the global software workforce anticipates utilizing GenAI tools within the next two years.

The survey, conducted by Capgemini and involving nearly 2,200 senior executives and software professionals, underscores the extensive adoption of AI among developers. This technology is expected to greatly enhance efficiency.

The findings indicate that four out of five software professionals believe GenAI will substantially transform their roles by automating simple, repetitive, and administrative tasks, thereby allowing them to concentrate more on meaningful work.

AI’s Impact on Software Development

Although GenAI is still in the early stages of adoption, with 90% of organizations yet to scale their efforts, those with initiatives in place report notable benefits such as improved innovation (61%) and enhanced software quality (49%).

The study also highlights ongoing concerns about AI potentially displacing human workers. However, Capgemini’s research shows that organizations plan to use the time freed up by AI to develop new software features (50%) and to upskill their workforce (47%), positioning AI as a tool to aid, rather than replace, human workers.

Conversely, reducing staff numbers was the least favored approach, with only 4% of organizations considering this option.

Despite the benefits, there are significant concerns regarding the security and legal risks associated with using generative AI in the workplace. Companies struggle to keep pace with trends and worker demands. Nearly half (46%) of software engineers are already using GenAI, but two-thirds (63%) of these are using unauthorized versions, posing risks such as hallucinations, leaks, and other IP issues.

Pierre-Yves Glever, Head of Global Cloud & Custom Applications at Capgemini, stated: “[Generative AI’s] impact on coding efficiency and quality is measurable and proven… However, we must remember that the true value will emerge from a holistic software engineering approach, beyond deploying a single ‘new’ tool.”

Glever concluded: “This involves addressing business needs with robust and relevant design, establishing comprehensive developer workspaces and assistants, implementing quality and security gates, and setting up effective software teams.”

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