Generative Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Software Development
Paving the Way for Citizen Developers
Generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) is revolutionizing the way we approach software development. According to Thomas Davenport of Babson College and Ian Barkin, a venture capitalist, gen AI is making it possible for anyone to become a software developer. With low-code and no-code tools, robotic process automation, and now AI, the gates of software development are open to all.
Conversational User Interfaces
Davenport and Barkin note that gen AI will take citizen development to a whole new level. "First is through conversational user interfaces," they write. "Virtually every vendor of software today has announced or is soon to introduce a generative AI interface." With conversational user interfaces, users can make requests to an AI system in regular language to generate programs containing specific functions, automation workflows, or machine-learning analyses.
Specialized Bots and Software Development
The authors mention that part of this future are specialized bots designed to perform specific types of work. These bots can perform tasks such as data analysis, modeling, and insight generation. However, they also note that these bots are limited in their flexibility and will not replace human workers.
Gen AI as a Research Assistant or Programmer
Davenport and Barkin describe gen AI as a research assistant or programmer, generating code to this analysis. It will elicit what you want, work quickly, and allow you to change your mind infinitely. Gen AI will also make it easier to find existing models, features, or software components that can be used to begin a citizen project.
Future of Data Science and Software Development
Looking beyond the early starts, with the growth of AI, RPA, and other tools, "some citizen developers are likely to no longer be necessary, and every citizen will need to change how they do their work," Davenport and Barkin speculate. Gen AI will assume much of this work, including generating application code, automations, and data science analyses.
Conclusion
The rise of gen AI is poised to revolutionize the way we approach software development. With conversational user interfaces, specialized bots, and gen AI as a research assistant or programmer, the future of software development is bright. However, this also means that some extraordinary skills may become unnecessary. As AI takes on more tasks, it will be interesting to see how citizen developers adapt and evolve in this new landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is generative artificial intelligence (gen AI)?
A: Gen AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can generate code, programs, or data analyses in response to user requests.
Q: How will gen AI change the way we approach software development?
A: Gen AI will make it possible for anyone to become a software developer, regardless of technical skills. It will also automate tasks such as data preparation, cleansing, and analysis, freeing up human developers to focus on higher-level tasks.
Q: Will gen AI replace human workers?
A: According to Davenport and Barkin, gen AI will not replace human workers. Instead, it will make them more productive and allow them to focus on more complex tasks.
Q: What are the potential benefits of gen AI in software development?
A: The potential benefits of gen AI in software development include increased productivity, improved accuracy, and faster development times.
