Developer Productivity with GenAI

Abstract: Generative AI (GenAI) tools are increasingly being adopted in software development as productivity aids. However, evidence regarding where and when these tools actually enhance productivity is unclear. In this paper, we investigate how GenAI adoption affects different dimensions of developer productivity. We surveyed 415 software practitioners to capture their perceptions of productivity changes associated with AI-assisted development using the SPACE framework - Satisfaction and well-being, Performance, Activity, Communication and collaboration, and Efficiency and flow. Our results, disaggregated by frequency of AI usage, reveal limited overall productivity change, highlighting the productivity paradox in which developers become faster but do not necessarily create better software or feel more fulfilled.