Ethics of Software Programming with Generative AI: Is Programming without Generative AI always radical?

TL;DR

This paper examines the transformative potential of Generative AI in software development, emphasizing ethical considerations, the importance of human oversight, and proposing guidelines for responsible use to balance innovation with accountability.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive analysis of GenAI's role in coding, highlighting ethical guidelines and advocating for a balanced human-AI collaboration approach.

Findings

GenAI can significantly improve coding efficiency.

Ethical guidelines are essential for responsible GenAI use.

Human oversight remains crucial for reliability.

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Generative AI (GenAI) potential to revolutionise software coding through increased efficiency and reduced time span for writing code. It acknowledges the transformative power of GenAI in software code generation, while also cautioning against the inherent risks of bias and errors if left unchecked. Emphasising the irreplaceable value of traditional programming, it posits that GenAI is not a replacement but a complementary tool for writing software code. Ethical considerations are paramount with the paper advocating for stringent ethical guidelines to ensure GenAI serves the greater good and does not compromise on accountability in writing software code. It suggests a balanced approach, combining human oversight with AI's capabilities, to mitigate risks and enhance reliability. The paper concludes by proposing guidelines for GenAI utilisation in coding, which will empower developers to navigate its complexities and employ it responsibly. This approach addresses current ethical concerns and sets a foundation for the judicious use of GenAI in the future, ensuring its benefits are harnessed effectively while maintaining moral integrity.