Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new approaches to work and new methods of getting things done across industries.
For software development, in particular, developers are using AI tools to enhance their productivity and increase coding effectiveness.
According to results from the 2023 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, 70% of developers “are already using or plan to use AI tools in their development process.”
3 Popular AI Tools for Software Development
1. GitHub Copilot
Considered by many to be the best AI tool for developers, GitHub Copilot is certainly the most used as of 2024. Copilot is an appropriate name for this AI tool. It doesn’t create code but it provides effective coding suggestions that can be utilized to increase performance and efficiency. It’s largely heralded as a resource for boosting overall productivity.
How does it work? GitHub Copilot creates prompts from natural language into actionable code suggestions, which programmers and developers can use to build software. Copilot can offer tailored recommendations because it’s been programmed to understand the context and style of a software project.
But like most AI tools, it’s not perfect. GitHub is unable to detect “code smells,” which are warning signs in code that hint at deeper issues. If undetected, they make future development difficult. The tool also struggles with code translation, which can disrupt a project’s efficiency.
2. Tabnine
This AI tool has been called a “game changer” in software development. It integrates with popular systems while leveraging a massive knowledge base created through open-source code. It’s known for delivering precise code suggestions that take into account the context and scope of a project. It can also assist with documentation and help streamline repetitive tasks while making the code clear, accurate, and thoroughly documented.
Tabnine has a few flaws. For one, it’s not completely compatible with popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code. It also lacks the detailed context needed to provide the most effective solutions.
One of the main benefits of Tabnine is that it eliminates mundane tasks. It excels at automating routine coding tasks, such as unit tests and refactoring. This allows developers to focus more of their mental energy on creative and innovative solutions.
3. SourceGraph’s Cody
The AI tool Cody, created by SourceGraph, is an emerging coding assistant that optimizes coding practices by using large database analysis. It makes intelligent recommendations and utilizes SourceGraph’s code and Large Language Models (LLMs). It has a variety of features, including an impressive code-understanding chatbot, plus inline code repair and autocomplete.
Cody may not be the most powerful tool out there, but it can be used to shave precious time off a development project. It can work with an organization’s codebase to create tailored results. From advanced code analysis to testing and documenting generation, there are many benefits to this innovative AI tool.
Learning to code (with or without AI tools) is vital for software development success.
If you’re interested in software development but don’t yet know how to code, AI tools can help you learn faster. But as proficiency in the use of AI tools grows throughout the profession, it’ll be important to showcase your coding skills, as well as your ability to use AI tools to enhance your coding productivity. These things work in tandem, not in opposition or as replacements.
So as you begin to learn to code, find ways to ensure you’re learning to use AI tools responsibly and ethically so you’re prepared for long-term career success.
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