State of AI-assisted Software Development (2025 paper)

In 2025, the central question for technology leaders is no longer if they should adopt AI, but how to realize its value. DORA’s research includes more than 100 hours of qualitative data and survey responses from nearly 5,000 technology professionals from around the world. The research reveals a critical truth: AI’s primary role in software development is that of an amplifier. It magnifies the strengths of high- performing organizations and the dysfunctions of struggling ones.

The greatest returns on AI investment come not from the tools themselves, but from a strategic focus on the underlying organizational system: the quality of the internal platform, the clarity of workflows, and the alignment of teams. Without this foundation, AI creates localized pockets of productivity that are often lost to downstream chaos.

Disclaimer: The Research was financed and sponsored by GOOGLE CLOUD, and does not reflect the views or opinions of the VanLUG Board of Directors. This is only provided for educational purposes.

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