AI tools are rapidly growing in the software industry, with 40% of the latest technologies identified by Thoughtworks being AI-related. Sarah Taraporewalla, a leader at Thoughtworks Australia, emphasizes that these tools are moving beyond mere hype and are showing real effectiveness in practical applications. However, organizations must be cautious; improper use can lead to issues like poor code quality. To effectively adopt AI, companies should first identify their problems before searching for solutions. Establishing governance and continuously monitoring AI developments is essential. By experimenting with AI tools, businesses can build their capabilities over time, ultimately seeing a positive return on investment as they refine their processes.
AI tools are rapidly growing and changing the software industry, according to a new report by Thoughtworks, a tech consultancy. The report highlights that while AI has great potential, its improper use can lead to problems for companies. Out of 105 tools and techniques discussed, 40% were related to AI, indicating a strong trend toward its adoption.
Sarah Taraporewalla, who leads the Enterprise Modernisation practice at Thoughtworks Australia, shared insights with TechRepublic about how AI technologies are proving their worth despite the hype surrounding them. She emphasized that the tools mentioned in the report are ones that Thoughtworks’ own teams have successfully used in projects, making them credible options for adoption.
The report categorizes AI tools into four groups: “Adopt,” “Trial,” “Assess,” and “Hold,” giving companies guidance on which technologies to implement. For example, retrieval-augmented generation was given an “adopt” status, meaning companies should consider using it, while some other newer techniques were placed in the “trial” category, indicating they require further testing.
However, as companies rush to adopt AI, there are emerging issues known as antipatterns, where poor practices can lead to bad results. One concern is the reliance on AI-generated code without proper evaluation by skilled humans, which can lead to problems like bloated or low-quality code.
To navigate the changing AI landscape, organizations must first define the problems they want to solve and then look for suitable tools. Establishing governance around AI use is also crucial, ensuring that teams follow good practices and monitor changes in the AI landscape.
Finally, experimenting with AI tools can be beneficial. Organizations are encouraged to think of these tools as part of an evolving platform, focusing on what can be improved over time. This mindset can lead to better long-term value from their AI investments.
Tags: AI Tools, Software Development, Technology Trends, Thoughtworks, AI Governance, Coding Practices, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Modernisation.
What is Thoughtworks’ recent report about?
Thoughtworks’ report talks about the fast growth of AI tools used in software development.
Why are AI tools becoming popular in software development?
AI tools make coding faster and help developers solve problems more easily, which is why they are gaining popularity.
How do AI tools help developers?
AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, suggest code, and find bugs, making the development process smoother and quicker.
Are there any challenges with using AI in software development?
Yes, there can be issues like the need for proper training data, possible biases in the AI, and concerns about job roles for developers.
What does this mean for the future of software development?
The rise of AI tools could lead to more efficient development practices, but it will also require developers to adapt to new technologies and ways of working.
