preprintarXiv (Cornell University)Feb 13, 2023GREEN OA

The Impact of AI on Developer Productivity: Evidence from GitHub Copilot

SPSida PengEKEirini KalliamvakouPCPeter CihonMDMert Demirer
Indexed inarxivdatacite

Abstract

Generative AI tools hold promise to increase human productivity. This paper presents results from a controlled experiment with GitHub Copilot, an AI pair programmer. Recruited software developers were asked to implement an HTTP server in JavaScript as quickly as possible. The treatment group, with access to the AI pair programmer, completed the task 55.8% faster than the control group. Observed heterogenous effects show promise for AI pair programmers to help people transition into software development careers.

Citation impact

244
total citations
FWCI
—
Percentile
—
References
0
Citations per year

Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Programmer
  • Computer science
  • Productivity
  • Task (project management)
  • JavaScript
  • Software
  • Software engineering
  • Computer security
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Decent work and economic growth
No related works found for this paper.