While organisations are beginning to see the efficiency and productivity benefits of AI-assisted development, more impactful changes lie ahead. Here are three ways AI will significantly change software development.

The application paradigm is changing. AI and AI agents are redefining the user interface and how applications are built, breaking down traditional software’s limitations.

Natural language will emerge as the primary interface, offering a more interactive and engaging experience powered by AI agents that will perform tasks, offer guidance, and learn from interactions in real time. The shift will lead to more personalised and responsive applications, fundamentally reshaping how we use software.

AI assistants are becoming smarter, moving beyond reactive prompt-based capabilities to being proactive problem-solvers. As central hubs for code assistance, AI agents will predict developers’ requirements and offer real-time suggestions for optimising application performance, security, and maintenance. The shift will streamline the entire SDLC, simplifying the user interface and making it more accessible.

The role of developers will evolve in tandem with these advancements. AI will not replace developers but increase their capabilities, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks and strategic decision-making. By automating mundane tasks and providing expert guidance, AI assistants will empower developers to dive deeper into business problem-solving, become guardians of code quality, and explore new technologies and capabilities. The evolution will enhance developer productivity and foster a new era of innovation.

The year, we will see a shift toward on-premise AI deployments. As open-source models become increasingly cost-effective and accessible, organisations will opt to run customised versions in their own data centres. This will result in cheaper, faster, and easier-to-own AI models, that can be fine-tuned to individual needs. Companies will find they can combine their data with existing models and engineer the experience for their customers at a fraction of today’s prices.

At the same time, increased compliance risks associated with AI will drive regulated industries, like financial institutions and government agencies, to launch models in physically separated environments for greater control over data privacy and security, and latency reductions.

As these technologies advance, we anticipate a transformation in how software is developed, shipped, and maintained. By embracing AI, organisations can improve efficiency, gain a competitive edge, and deliver innovative solutions that meet customers’ ever-evolving needs.

However, integrating AI into software development requires strategic planning, investment in talent and infrastructure, and a commitment to continuous growth and adaptation. Organisations that successfully navigate this shifting landscape will be well-positioned to thrive in the digital age.

Author: Emilio Salvador, Vice President, Strategy and Developer Relations at GitLab

(Image source: Unsplash)