Prof. Software Developers Don't Vibe, They Control: AI Agent Coding Use in 2025 (arxiv.org)

A recent study explores the evolving role of AI agents in professional software development, highlighting that while experienced developers appreciate the productivity enhancement these agents offer, they maintain significant control over the coding process. The research, which includes field observations and qualitative surveys from 112 professionals, reveals that developers prefer to leverage their expertise to guide the behavior of AI agents, ensuring high-quality software design and implementation. This indicates a synergy where AI tools are viewed as complementary rather than replacements. The findings are significant for the AI/ML community as they suggest that while AI agents can streamline certain tasks, they should not be solely relied upon for critical aspects of software development. The study emphasizes the importance of best practices and the need for improved agent interfaces that align with developer intentions. By identifying suitable tasks for AI agents and recognizing the expertise of software developers, the research paves the way for future enhancements in collaborative coding environments that could optimize both human and machine contributions.