AI-assisted coding gains momentum, but oversight remains critical

Insider Spotlight

• 92 percent of tech leaders use AI-assisted coding tools
• 93 percent insist on peer review of AI-generated code
• 95 percent open to AI in interviews but warn of over-reliance
• 30 percent cite risks of developers leaning too heavily on AI
  
  

AI-assisted coding tools are spreading rapidly in enterprise software engineering, according to a new Canva survey of 300 technology decision makers across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, India and Australia.

By the numbers:

• 92 percent of respondents report their organizations are using AI coding tools.
• 78 percent of developers rely on them daily.
• 66 percent expect usage to surge over the next year, with productivity gains cited by 64 percent

Why it matters

The near-universal adoption signals a major shift in how code is written. But leaders are clear: AI must remain a collaborator, not a substitute.

• 95 percent of tech leaders warn of risks when deploying AI-generated code without proper review, raising red flags around security, maintainability and quality.

• 93 percent confirm that AI-generated code is always or often peer reviewed before merging, underscoring the need for “human-in-the-loop” oversight.

What they’re saying

“AI in engineering is a real disruptive change that can’t be ignored,” said Brendan Humphreys, CTO of Canva. “When paired with human judgment and expertise, it unlocks significant benefits — from rapid prototyping to faster development cycles and greater productivity.”

Leaders also see AI reshaping developer skillsets:

• 94 percent say AI is transforming technical roles.

• 95 percent are comfortable with candidates using AI tools in interviews.

• Yet, 30 percent cite over-reliance on AI as the top concern, and 21 percent fear junior engineers could see their growth stunted.
  

The bottom line

AI coding tools are now mainstream. But without rigorous human oversight, organizations risk trading speed for stability — and productivity for accountability. —Ed: Vanessa Hidalgo