AI-powered software development has fundamentally transformed the future of innovation. Our world has become dependent on software, and AI coding assistants empower every developer to accelerate human progress and productivity.
Given the impact on productivity, perhaps it’s not surprising that enterprises have quickly shifted to integrating AI tools into their development processes.
Research shows AI pair programming tools, for example, can help developers code up to 55% faster.
However, “productivity” should not be the only goal. The value of AI-powered software development is highly nuanced.
Measuring developers on how many lines of code they can produce is not a metric any business leader should prioritise.
Developer productivity is extremely difficult to define and measure — there’s much more to it than inputs and outputs.
Evidence suggests that a developer’s performance is closely linked to their satisfaction levels. Happier developers perform better, so focusing on what makes them content makes sense.
The real beauty of AI coding lies in what developers can deliver when they are free to spend more time on bigger, more challenging business issues.
More meaningful work that requires complex critical thinking is vital for making developers feel more fulfilled and giving them a sense of purpose beyond their day-to-day roles.
An often misunderstood part of software creation is how much of it is about solving problems. That’s why developers love what they do — they excel at finding solutions to difficult challenges.
The trouble is that so many repetitive, routine tasks infiltrate our day-to-day work. Every day, this toil stands in the way of work that has a real impact.
AI is an incredible tool to minimise this toil for developers. However, this does not simply mean more time for coding.
Instead, developers gain the opportunity to be more creative and collaborative, winning back valuable hours for more meaningful work.
With this gift of time, developers do what they do best: problem-solve and find new ways to address big conundrums.
With time and headspace, they can support the business in new ways. Often, this is in areas they were either not invited to participate in or where there was previously no recognition of the potential they could deliver.
The growing importance of software in every industry and an openness to new perspectives are leaving the door open for developers to make their mark.
The double-edged sword of Generative AI in creative workflows
Another aspect of AI-powered software development is its contribution to holistic developer wellbeing.
We have all experienced a sense of satisfaction and self-worth when having a ‘good day.’ Often, it’s the little things that contribute to this — staying in flow, conserving mental energy, and reaching milestones.
These outcomes are important to technology leaders in enterprises, who are increasingly concerned about keeping their engineers healthy, happy, and engaged.
Businesses are rapidly waking up to the impact developers can have.
For example, at a recent EMEA-wide user group of our customers, a consistent talking point was the impact developers have on legacy code built over time, which isn’t yet fully used to drive innovation.
This creates a virtuous circle. AI tools can free up developers’ time and allow them to focus on adding value elsewhere in the organisation.
Simultaneously, the more value businesses see in equipping developers with the tools and structure they need to thrive, the greater the dividend they receive in the long run.
When businesses look beyond productivity as the end goal, they will invariably see developers in a new light. As collaborative, analytical problem solvers with an instinct for identifying inefficiency, developers possess desirable attributes in any part of an organisation.
The focus for organisations must then turn to enabling better collaboration, breaking down silos and harmonising and centralising software development as a strategic function for the entire business.
Teams and leaders need to find ways to make it easier for developers in their organisations to make meaningful contributions to their broader objectives.
They might be surprised to find the solutions to some of their biggest problems were already at their disposal.
This is an example of the best use of AI, which allows human endeavours to flourish.
Too often, we see AI as a tool to outsource our creative thinking. Instead, AI should be used to free employees from the everyday distractions that keep them from their real jobs, solving problems for the benefit of our customers and community.
It’s amazing what we can achieve when we collaborate freely and unburdened.
This will unleash creativity and, in turn, keep developers motivated, inspired and happy.
Read more: How Accenture is leveraging LLM’s to help enterprises with product discovery
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