The Role of Generative AI in Application and Software Development

In this article, you will learn:

• How generative AI is revolutionizing app and software development
• The current state and recent advancements of GenAI in development
• Benefits and challenges of integrating generative AI in software development
• Practical applications and use cases across various industries
• An overview of tools and technologies for implementing generative AI
• Integrate generative AI with OutSystems platform

What is generative AI?

Generative AI (GenAI) has become a cornerstone in revolutionizing how we create everything from emails and videos to brand new applications. Its foundation is grounded in Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) technology, which trains two neural networks to compete against each other to generate original content from an existing dataset.

Using artificial intelligence algorithms and natural language processing and understanding, it creates new content from a model trained on extensive datasets to produce content that mirrors the original data in style or structure. This includes images, text, and simple applications.

Uncover the key differences between generative AI vs. AI

Benefits of generative AI for software and app development

GenAI has the potential to benefit software development, by streamlining code generation, enhancing creativity, and accelerating time-to-value -y. For developers, generative AI speeds up the processes used to code unique, innovative solutions. It simplifies user interface design, code generation, and validation while enabling rapid app prototyping, and the development of groundbreaking features.

By freeing developers from mundane tasks, generative AI unleashes their creative potential, enabling them to focus on tackling complex problems and driving innovation within their projects.

Practical applications and use cases

Generative AI shines in content generation. With the ability to understand context and language nuances, generative artificial intelligence algorithms can automatically produce high-quality written content such as product descriptions or blog articles. They can also create images, GIFs, videos, and code, combining them all with written content to deliver websites, applications, augmented reality, and more. This not only saves valuable time for content creators but also ensures consistency and accuracy across multiple platforms, opening up a whole new world for developers.

How generative AI can be applied in application and software development

One practical application of generative AI in app development is the creation of personalized user interfaces. Using prompts and GenAI algorithms, developers can analyze user behavior, preferences, and interaction patterns to dynamically produce UI elements that are tailored to individual users. The AI can suggest layout adjustments, color schemes, and even feature placements that align with the user's habits and preferences, potentially providing a more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable interaction with the application. This not only saves time for developers but also ensures a seamless and intuitive engagement for end-users.

Another practical use for generative AI in software development is code completion. It can predict and fill in the next part of the code based on the context of what the developer is writing. This not only speeds up the coding process but also helps reduce errors, suggests best coding practices, and potentially introduces more efficient ways to achieve a task. AI-powered code completion learn from vast amounts of code to offer relevant, context-aware suggestions, improving developer productivity and code quality.

Real-world generative AI example: Enhancing global developer engagement

The OutSystems Developer Relationship team used generative AI to revolutionize the user experience for their Japanese community, the company's second-largest developer group. This initiative was born out of the necessity to include Japanese-speaking developers in global community conversations, overcoming the language barrier that previously led to a sense of exclusion. OutSystems embarked on this journey, driven by the principle that "giving up" was not an option, aiming to integrate Japanese developers seamlessly into the community.

The project involved a meticulous selection process for the most suitable large language models (LLMs) and intricate prompt engineering to ensure high-quality, real-time translations without the addition of extraneous information. OutSystems evaluated several LLMs against specific criteria, including translation quality, performance, and cost. ChatGPT4 emerged as the preferred choice for its ability to effectively handle complex, technical text and HTML content.

Integration with the OutSystems Developer Cloud (ODC) and API connections to various LLMs facilitated the real-time translation of community forum posts. Additionally, a strategic caching mechanism was implemented to optimize costs and efficiency, allowing for the reuse of translations and reducing the need for repeated API calls.

The project's success has improved the engagement and experience of Japanese-speaking developers and set the stage for expanding AI-powered translation services to include more languages, furthering OutSystems mission of creating a barrier-free, inclusive community. This example underscores the transformative potential of generative AI in overcoming language barriers and fostering global collaboration and engagement within developer communities.

The application of generative AI in industries

Generative AI is revolutionizing software development across various industries by automating code generation, enhancing design processes, and providing intelligent solutions that significantly improve efficiency, creativity, and customization in software applications.

In a recent research, McKinsey concluded that generative AI has the potential to add $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually in value across 63 use cases that include interactions with customers, producing creative content for marketing and sales, and drafting computer code based on natural-language prompts.

Here are examples of how it is being used in financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and media and entertainment.

Generative AI in financial services

There are many use cases for GenAI in financial services applications. One example is software that automates the creation of financial reports and analyses. By inputting raw financial data, the AI can generate comprehensive reports, including performance analysis, trend forecasts, and risk assessments. For example, a generative AI system could analyze a company's financial data over time and produce an in-depth report highlighting key financial health indicators, predictive revenue models, and investment risks, significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual financial analysis.

Another use of GenAI in this industry is an application that provides personalized financial advice to users. For example, a financial services app could use generative AI to offer users tailored advice on how to allocate their investments or suggest specific financial products that align with their individual profiles, thereby enhancing the user experience and aiding in more informed financial decision-making.

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Generative AI in manufacturing

In manufacturing, there's often a need for custom software solutions that cater to specific production processes, machinery, or product lines. GenAI can assist developers by automatically generating code or software modules based on the specific requirements of a manufacturing process. For example, if a manufacturer needs a unique monitoring system for a production line, generative AI can help create the foundational code, which developers can then refine and customize.

GenAI can also be used to develop sophisticated algorithms in manufacturing software, enabling the software to implement improvements in manufacturing processes. When these algorithms are integrated into software, manufacturers can continuously enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and adapt to changing market demands or resource availability. A real-world example is one of the world’s largest automakers. It has added optimization algorithms to optimize its production lines, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively and that the manufacturing flow is as efficient as possible.

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Generative AI in healthcare

Generative artificial intelligence is making a significant impact in healthcare. It is being used in software that analyzes vast amounts of medical images to detect patterns and anomalies that human observers might miss. This has led to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes. In another example, it has been integrated into software projects to assist in drug discovery. Researchers can identify potential drug candidates faster than ever by analyzing large datasets and predicting molecular structures. This breakthrough technology has the potential to accelerate the development of life-saving medications.

It is also being embedded in applications used for personalized medicine. By analyzing an individual's genetic data and medical history, software integrated with AI can help build tailored treatment plans that take into account specific genetic variations and risk factors. This enhances patient care and contributes to more efficient resource allocation within healthcare systems.

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Generative AI platforms: Tools and technologies for implementation

GenAI-powered platforms are transforming how content is created across different domains, offering tools that augment human creativity and efficiency. They are particularly notable for their ability to democratize content creation, enabling people without specific skills (like coding or graphic design) to create complex works or assist in the development process. Here’s an overview of the various types available.

1. Text generation platforms

Here are some examples of GenAI options for text:

• GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer): Developed by OpenAI, GPT models (like GPT-3) can generate human-like text based on the input they receive. They're used for a variety of applications, including chatbots, content creation, and even coding.
• BERT and T5: While primarily known for natural language understanding, these models can also be adapted for generative tasks like text summarization and question-answering.

2. Image generation platforms

For images, you can use platforms like:

• DALL-E: Another creation of OpenAI, DALL-E generates images from textual descriptions, allowing users to create visuals that didn't exist before by simply describing what they want.
• StyleGAN: Developed by NVIDIA, StyleGAN can generate highly realistic images, particularly faces of people who don't exist, by learning from a dataset of real images.

3. Music generation platforms

Generative artificial intelligence can be applied to creating music with:

• OpenA Jukebox: A model that generates music, including rudimentary singing, in various genres and styles. It can produce original compositions or music that mimics the style of specific artists.
• Magenta by Google: An AI project by Google that explores the role of machine learning as a tool in the creative process, capable of generating music and art.

4. Code generation platforms

Simplified coding or complete code delivery is made possible with:

• GitHub Copilot: Powered by OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot offers suggestions for whole lines or blocks of code, helping developers write code faster and with fewer errors.
• Codex: Also by OpenAI, Codex is a descendant of GPT-3 tailored specifically for understanding and generating code. It powers tools like GitHub Copilot.

5. Design and 3D modeling platforms

Describe a model and get 3D video, image, live performance, and game assets with:

• RunwayML offers tools for artists and creators to use generative models for video, image, and live performance creations.
• DreamFusion: A method for generating 3D models from textual descriptions, showcasing the potential for AI in creating complex 3D assets for games, VR, and more.

6. Data Synthesis Platforms

Platforms designed to generate synthetic data that can be used for training machine learning models where real data might be scarce, sensitive, or biased.

An overview of generative AI application builders

A GenAI application builder is a cutting-edge platform that streamlines the software development process using generative artificial intelligence. This intuitive system aids users in crafting, evolving, and launching applications by automating the generation of code, interfaces, and content, all keyed off simple user directives. Using natural language descriptions or user-friendly graphical interfaces, the core functions of these builders can dramatically reduce the complexity of app creation. Below, we delve into the nuances of their operation and their standout features.

Key features and functions

Application builders combine general generative AI features, functions, and capabilities with those designed specifically for application development:

• Natural language processing (NLP): Users can articulate the desired functionalities, features, or app design in their own words. The AI then processes this language to produce appropriate code snippets or design elements.
• Automated code generation: The builder uses pre-trained transformers (like GPT-3 and HuggingFace), cloud services, open-source libraries, and GPU technology to automatically producing source code for essential components like the front-end interface, back-end logic, database interactions, and so forth.
• UI/UX design via automation: Certain builders are equipped with functions from several GenAI-powered platforms specifically designed to auto-generate user interface designs. They ensure the designs align with user specifications and industry best practices based on summarized design requirements.
• APIs: The apps that are generated by AI builders can seamlessly integrate with APIs and various services, a must-have in a world where most applications interact with external data sources, functionality, or other apps.

Advantages

Here are the benefits of using generative AI application builders:

• Accelerated development timelines: By delegating routine or sophisticated tasks to AI, the app-building process can be expedited substantially.
• Increased development democratization: Simplifying the app-building landscape, these builders empower those with little to no coding background to dabble in software creation.
• Reduction in development costs: By diminishing the necessity for exhaustive hand-coding, the cost of development drops significantly, benefiting both independent or small enterprises that want to craft bespoke apps and large enterprises with tight deadlines.
• Increased creativity: As AI addresses the more mundane development tasks, creators can channel their focus into cultivating next-generation, cutting-edge app features and unique selling points.
• Tailorability and expansion: Although largely automated, these builders don’t skimp on customization and scalability. Users maintain the freedom to modify auto-generated code or layouts for enhanced performance or to meet particular demands.

Low-code platforms and generative AI development

In a 2023 survey, Microsoft found that 87% of CEOs believe that increased AI and automation embedded into low-code platforms would help them better use the full set of the technology's capabilities.

OutSystems is a leading low-code platform that empowers developers to get more done and ship faster by eliminating mundane, repetitive, and tedious hand coding and lifecycle management tasks. It provides numerous ways for developers to incorporate generative AI into their applications.

The platform’s low-code approach allows developers to integrate GenAI capabilities into their projects with speed and ease. Also, with its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, developers can easily create and deploy GenAI apps without the need for AI-specialized knowledge.

OutSystems also offers a wide range of pre-built connectors, quick-start generative AI apps, and templates specifically designed to accelerate AI development. These ready-to-use resources enable developers to automate tasks and unlock new levels of productivity and innovation.

Furthermore, OutSystems provides robust support and documentation for developers venturing into generative AI. Their extensive knowledge base, tutorials, and community forums ensure that developers can access all the necessary resources to successfully leverage generative AI within their applications.

Developers can unlock the potential of generative AI using the OutSystems low-code platform free of complex technical challenges. The platform's seamless integration capabilities, pre-built components, and comprehensive support make it an ideal choice for those seeking to harness the power of GenAI easily.

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Conclusion

In the latest State of Application Development report, 88% of respondents say they’re testing the waters for GenAI-powered applications, and 19% consider generative AI crucial.

The integration of generative AI in app and software development advances and enhances the development process, personalizes user experiences, and improves app quality. However, it also supports the synergy between human expertise and AI capabilities that is so essential for ethical and creative development. All of this opens the door to a future where developers can leverage AI to push the boundaries of technology and creativity.

Discover the impact of generative AI in software development and how businesses are leveraging this technology in the latest State of App Development report.

Generative AI FAQs frequently asked questions