Abstract

This research examines the impact of AI tools on software development,

analysing how developers leverage these tools for tasks like code
optimization, debugging, and project management. The report also
explores challenges such as ethical concerns, tool reliability, and job
displacement fears. The findings highlight AI’s contribution to
productivity and provide insights into developers' expectations for the
future of AI in their work.

By analysing survey responses from a diverse group of software

developers, this report provides a comprehensive view of how AI is
shaping the industry. It highlights the key advantages AI tools offer, such
as faster coding, improved debugging, and enhanced collaboration.

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 Introduction

AI tools are transforming software development by boosting productivity,

automating repetitive tasks, and improving code quality. Tools like
ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Tebnine, and IntelliCode are now integral to
developers' daily workflows, assisting with code completion,
optimization, debugging, and project management. However, their rapid
adoption raises challenges, such as ethical concerns, job displacement
fears, and over-reliance on automation. Developers must also overcome
learning curves to fully leverage these tools. This study explores the
usage patterns, benefits, and challenges of AI tools while examining
developers' expectations for the future role of AI in shaping the industry.

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 Objectives

● Primary Objectives
1. To examine developers' concerns about job displacement
and the potential risks of over-relying on AI tools.
2. To evaluate developers' preferences for AI tools and how
these preferences vary across roles.
3. To highlight areas where developers believe improvements
are needed in AI tools.

● Secondary Objectives
4. To examine developers' concerns about job displacement
and the potential risks of over-relying on AI tools.
5. To evaluate developers' preferences for AI tools (e.g., GitHub
Copilot, ChatGPT, Tebnine) and how these preferences vary
across roles.
6. To highlight areas where developers believe improvements
are needed in AI tools.

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 Hypothesis

AI tools significantly improve developer productivity.

Result:

The survey data confirms that the majority of developers experienced

increased productivity with the use of AI tools, particularly in areas like
code completion, bug detection and fixing, project management, and
documentation. Respondents reported faster coding, reduced errors, and
improved collaboration, with many leveraging AI tools like GitHub Copilot
and ChatGPT to streamline their workflows.

Additionally, developers highlighted the ability to resolve bugs quickly

and manage projects more efficiently as key benefits. Given these
positive outcomes, the null hypothesis (that AI tools have no impact on
productivity) is rejected, affirming that AI tools play a significant role in
enhancing productivity and efficiency in software development.

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 Research Design and Methodology

This study adopted a quantitative survey-based approach to analyse the

impact of AI tools on software developers across various industries,
roles, and experience levels. The survey was designed to capture both
factual data and perceptions regarding the use of AI tools, their benefits,
and associated challenges.

Participants and Data Collection

The survey collected responses from developers working in diverse
settings, such as startups, small businesses, medium-sized enterprises,
and large corporations. Participants answered a series of structured
questions that covered:

1. Demographics (Age group, education level, job role)

2. Work experience (Years of experience in software development)
3. Usage of AI tools (Frequency and purpose)
4. Impact on productivity and collaboration (Self-reported
improvements)
5. Challenges and concerns (Job displacement, ethical issues)

Data Summary & Demographics

1. Developers from a wide range of age groups:

● 18-24 years
● 25-34 years
● 35-44 years
● 45-54 years
● 55 years and older

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2. A variety of job roles were represented

3. Participants also varied in experience levels

● Less than 1 year
● 1-3 years
● 3-5 years
● 5-10 years
● More than 10 years

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4. Participants were employed in companies of different sizes,
ranging from startups to large corporations, providing diverse
perspectives on how AI is integrated into workflows.

5. Developers currently use AI tools in your software development

work?

6. How frequently do developers use AI tools?

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7. What AI tools use?

8. Tasks AI tools assist with

9. Challenges while using AI tools & what challenges have you faced?

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10. Concerns about AI potentially replacing jobs in software
development?

11. Integration of AI in software development?

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12. AI tools helped complete tasks faster?

13. People recommend learning to use AI tools to new developers.

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 Analysis of Central Tendency and Dispersion

Time Spent on AI Tools (Usage Frequency):

● Mean: 60.6% of respondents use AI tools daily, indicating a high

average usage frequency.
● Median: The median falls in the "daily" range, suggesting that most
respondents use AI tools regularly.
● Mode: The most common frequency of AI tool usage is "daily"
(60.6%), indicating that this is the predominant usage pattern.
● Standard Deviation: Based on the variability in usage patterns, we
would calculate how dispersed the frequency of usage is around
the average (e.g., daily vs. weekly usage).

Developer Skill Level (Years of Experience in Software Development):

● Mean: The average years of experience could be calculated from

the data to indicate the overall experience level of respondents.
● Median: The median experience level is likely in the 1-3 year range,
as this is commonly reported.
● Mode: The most frequent experience category is "1-3 years,"
showing this as the typical developer profile.
● Standard Deviation: This would measure the dispersion of
experience levels across respondents, indicating how varied the
experience levels are.

Platform Usage (Primary AI Tool Used):

● Mean: The most commonly used AI tool is "ChatGPT" (81.8%),

which indicates its popularity among developers.

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AI Tools as a Collaborative Tool:

● Mean: AI tools are occasionally used for collaboration, with 51.5%

of respondents using AI for project management tasks, indicating
moderate usage for collaboration.

Distractions While Coding (Due to AI):

● Mean: Not available in the data, but we could infer whether AI tools
might cause distractions (if applicable to the dataset).

Impact on Productivity After Using AI Tools:

● Mean: The most common response is "greatly increased" (60.6%),

suggesting a significant positive impact on productivity after using
AI tools.

Effect on Job Roles (Change in Responsibilities):

● Mean: The most common response is that AI tools have led to an

increase in project management efficiency (51.5%), showing how
AI influences certain job roles.

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 Measures of Dispersion

In statistical analysis, measures of dispersion provide insights into the

variability and spread of data points within a dataset. In the context of
this study, measures of dispersion will help in understanding how
responses vary among developers concerning their usage of AI tools,
their perceived benefits, and the challenges faced.

1. Company Size vs AI Usage Frequency:

Expected Negative Correlation

A moderate negative correlation is anticipated between company size

and the frequency of AI tool usage among developers. This hypothesis
suggests that as the size of a company increases, the frequency of AI
tool usage may also increase, indicating that larger organisations are
more likely to integrate AI tools into their workflows compared to smaller
companies.

Calculated Correlation

● Calculated r value: -0.452

This r value indicates a moderate negative correlation between

company size and the frequency of AI tool usage.

Interpretation

The correlation coefficient of -0.452 suggests that smaller companies

tend to use AI tools less frequently than their larger counterparts.
Several factors may contribute to this trend:

● Resource Availability: Larger companies typically have more

resources, allowing them to invest in AI technologies and training.
● Complex Workflows: Larger organisations may have more
complex projects that benefit from the efficiencies provided by AI
tools, prompting more regular usage.

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 ● Awareness and Adoption: There may be greater awareness and
cultural acceptance of AI tools within larger companies, leading to
increased adoption and usage.

2. Experience-wise and usage of AI Tool Analysis of productivity:

The analysis of productivity in relation to developers’ experience levels

and their usage of AI tools provides valuable insights into how
experience impacts the effectiveness and frequency of AI tool adoption.
By examining different experience tiers—ranging from less than 1 year to
over 10 years—this section aims to understand how productivity
perceptions vary based on experience and usage frequency.

Key Findings

1. Experience Levels:
○ Less than 1 Year:
Developers in this category reported limited experience with
AI tools but indicated a strong interest in exploring their
functionalities. Many noted that AI tools were particularly
helpful in learning new coding practices and debugging
techniques, even if they hadn’t fully integrated these tools
into their daily workflows.
○ 1-3 Years:
This group exhibited a growing familiarity with AI tools, using
them primarily for code completion and debugging tasks. A
majority reported noticeable improvements in their
productivity, citing faster code writing and fewer bugs in their
initial submissions.
○ 3-5 Years:
Developers with moderate experience began to leverage AI
tools for more complex tasks, such as project management
and documentation generation. Their feedback highlighted

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 enhanced collaboration within teams, as AI tools provided
shared insights and standardised coding practices.
○ 5-10 Years:
In this experience bracket, developers reported high
productivity levels, attributing these improvements to the
regular use of AI tools. They emphasised the role of AI in
automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on
higher-level problem-solving and strategic planning.
○ More than 10 Years:
Experienced developers utilised AI tools not only for coding
but also for mentoring junior staff. They noted that while AI
tools improved productivity, reliance on them required
balancing to maintain critical thinking and innovative skills.
2. Usage Frequency of AI Tools:
○ Daily Users:
Developers who used AI tools daily reported the most
significant productivity gains, with many indicating a
reduction in coding errors and faster project turnaround
times. Daily engagement with AI tools facilitated seamless
integration into their workflows.
○ Weekly Users:
Those who used AI tools weekly experienced moderate
productivity enhancements. While they benefited from AI
suggestions, they were less likely to integrate these tools into
their routine compared to daily users.
○ Monthly or Rare Users:
Developers in this category expressed mixed feelings about
productivity gains, as infrequent usage limited their ability to
fully harness the potential of AI tools. They often faced a
steeper learning curve and felt less confident in utilising the
tools effectively.

Correlation Analysis

A statistical analysis of productivity against experience levels and AI

usage frequency revealed several insights:

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● Positive Correlation: A positive correlation was found between
years of experience and perceived productivity improvements with
AI tools, suggesting that as developers gain experience, they
become more adept at leveraging AI for their benefit.
● Usage Impact: Regular usage of AI tools significantly enhances
productivity, indicating that developers who consistently integrate
AI into their workflows experience more substantial benefits.

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 Summary of Key Findings

1. High Adoption Rates:

○ GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT emerged as the most preferred
AI tools among developers, indicating a significant shift
towards integrating AI into everyday workflows.
2. Increased Productivity:
○ Respondents reported experiencing faster coding and a
reduction in errors, as AI tools automate repetitive tasks,
allowing developers to focus on complex problem-solving.
3. Enhanced Collaboration:
○ AI tools facilitate teamwork through features such as
real-time code reviews and suggestions, improving
communication and efficiency within development teams.
4. Skill Evolution:
○ Developers are adapting to new technologies, emphasising a
shift towards system design and the necessity for
continuous learning to keep pace with advancements in AI.
5. Job Displacement Concerns:
○ While AI has the potential to threaten entry-level positions, it
simultaneously creates new opportunities that require
advanced skills, suggesting a transformative rather than
purely negative impact on employment.
6. Quality Assurance:
○ AI tools are instrumental in automating testing processes,
which accelerates bug detection and enhances software
reliability, leading to higher-quality products.
7. Job Satisfaction:
○ Many developers report higher job satisfaction due to the
reduction of mundane tasks, although the rapid pace of
technological change can also lead to stress and anxiety
about keeping up with new tools and methodologies.

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 Limitations

1. Sample Bias:
● The survey may not adequately represent all industries and
regions, which limits the generalizability of the findings.
2. Subjectivity:
● Responses regarding productivity and tool effectiveness are
subjective, reflecting individual perceptions that may not capture
broader trends.
3. Dependence on Data:
● AI systems require large amounts of high-quality data; poor-quality
data can lead to biassed outcomes and diminish the effectiveness
of AI tools.
4. Integration Challenges:
● Integrating AI tools into existing workflows can be complex and
resource-intensive, requiring significant investment in training and
system adjustments.
5. Job Displacement Risks:
● Automation may pose a risk to entry-level positions, raising
concerns about workforce stability and the future of employment
in software development.

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 Conclusion

AI tools have significantly transformed software development by

enhancing productivity and fostering collaboration. Despite the
challenges associated with ethical concerns and learning difficulties,
developers remain optimistic about the future of AI. The integration of AI
into software development is expected to expand, shifting the focus
toward creative and strategic problem-solving.

Moreover, the necessity for continuous skill adaptation highlights the

evolving nature of the industry. Overall, a balanced approach to AI
integration—one that emphasises its positive applications while
remaining aware of its limitations—is essential for maximising the
benefits of AI in software development.

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 Recommendations

Training: Provide training programs to reduce learning curves for AI tools

and enhance understanding of their ethical implications, focusing on
bias, data privacy, and security.

Balanced Usage: Encourage a balanced approach to AI usage to prevent

over-reliance on automation for core coding tasks.

Continuous Learning: Promote ongoing education through workshops

and online courses to keep developers updated on AI tools and
technologies.

Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge

and experiences related to AI tools among developers.

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