Insights Gained from Two Years of Integrating AI Tools in Software Engineering

The landscape of software engineering is rapidly evolving due to Generative AI (GenAI), transitioning from basic autocomplete functions to sophisticated coding assistants. Birgitta Böckeler, a Distinguished Engineer at Thoughtworks, has spent two years examining practical approaches for integrating these tools into development workflows. Engaging with peers and clients, she discusses the shift from mere autocompleting to interactive coding agents, exploring their impact on software delivery speed and team dynamics. While GenAI enhances coding efficiency, it also raises concerns about code quality and cognitive biases that may mislead developers. Birgitta emphasizes the importance of adapting to this new technological landscape by developing mental models for AI interactions and utilizing effective strategies like break tasks into smaller segments and utilizing custom instructions. She asserts that while productivity can be measured in multiple dimensions, integrating AI into coding requires careful consideration to maximize its benefits while mitigating risks.

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