Applicability of offshore software development best practices to AI-assisted software development

Abstract

In this study we explored the similarities between offshore software development and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted software development. Given the current research gap regarding best practices for AI-assisted software development, this thesis aimed to explore the applicability of offshore software development best practices to AI-assisted software development. By gathering challenges within both areas through a literature review and using framework analysis, we were able to determine similarities between the two areas. With structured interviews we were then able to use the identified similarities to further examine the challenges and determine the applicability of offshore software development best practices to AI-assisted software development. The findings revealed three shared challenges: IP theft, code privacy, and tool incompatibility. Additionally, one best practice, confidentiality agreements, was determined to be directly applicable to AI-assisted software development based on the responses of participants who regularly use AI assistants for coding. The insights gained from this thesis provide valuable guidance for industry practitioners and contribute to further academia on optimising AI-assisted software development practices.