AI fueling software development, Docker report reveals

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Docker’s AI Trends Report 2024 has unveiled striking insights into the rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools among software developers worldwide.
Based on responses from over 1,300 developers, the survey found that 64% are leveraging AI for coding, documentation, research, and other development tasks.
“Docker’s AI Trends Report 2024 clearly demonstrates that AI is not merely a trend but a fundamental shift in software development,” said Nahid Samsami, vice president of Developer Experience at Docker.
Developers embrace AI, allay job threat concerns
Contrary to fears of AI replacing human developers, the report found that only 23% of respondents view AI as a job threat, while 65% perceive it positively for making their work processes easier (61%) and allowing them to focus on crucial tasks (55%).
In fact, 33% of respondents said they utilize AI mainly for coding, documentation (29%), research (28%), writing tests (23%), and troubleshooting/debugging (21%).
The most popular AI tools among developers are ChatGPT (46%), GitHub Copilot (30%), and Gemini (19%). Junior developers with less than five years of experience reported significantly greater reliance on AI tools compared to their more experienced counterparts.
Future projections and industry impact
Looking ahead, the report anticipates AI will continue to redefine the software development landscape. Docker is committed to supporting this transition by innovating and providing resources that enable developers to leverage AI effectively.
“Embracing AI as a positive force that can augment human capabilities rather than replace them is crucial,” the report said.
The complete findings of the State of Application Development Survey 2024, which also includes Docker usage and community engagement, are scheduled for release in May.
Docker continues to drive innovation in software development, supporting over 20 million developers worldwide.