Rethinking Software Engineering in the Foundation Model Era: From Task-Driven AI Copilots to Goal-Driven AI Pair Programmers

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a paradigm shift in software engineering from task-driven AI copilots to goal-driven AI pair programmers that collaborate holistically with humans, aiming to improve productivity and software quality.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of goal-driven AI pair programmers, emphasizing their attributes and the challenges to transition from current task-driven copilots.

Findings

Proposes a new paradigm for AI in SE focusing on goals and collaboration.

Highlights key attributes needed for effective AI pair programmers.

Discusses challenges and future directions for goal-driven AI in SE.

Abstract

The advent of Foundation Models (FMs) and AI-powered copilots has transformed the landscape of software development, offering unprecedented code completion capabilities and enhancing developer productivity. However, the current task-driven nature of these copilots falls short in addressing the broader goals and complexities inherent in software engineering (SE). In this paper, we propose a paradigm shift towards goal-driven AI-powered pair programmers that collaborate with human developers in a more holistic and context-aware manner. We envision AI pair programmers that are goal-driven, human partners, SE-aware, and self-learning. These AI partners engage in iterative, conversation-driven development processes, aligning closely with human goals and facilitating informed decision-making. We discuss the desired attributes of such AI pair programmers and outline key challenges that must be addressed to realize this vision. Ultimately, our work represents a shift from AI-augmented SE to AI-transformed SE by replacing code completion with a collaborative partnership between humans and AI that enhances both productivity and software quality.