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Enhancing Developer Productivity with GitHub Copilot

Research: quantifying GitHub Copilot’s impact on developer productivity and happiness 🔗

When the GitHub Copilot Technical Preview launched just over one year ago, we wanted to know one thing: Is this tool helping developers? The GitHub Next team conducted research using a combination of surveys and experiments, which led us to expected and unexpected answers.

Research into GitHub Copilot's impact reveals that it significantly enhances developer productivity and satisfaction. A study involving over 2,000 developers indicated that many felt more fulfilled and less frustrated when using the tool, which helps conserve mental energy during repetitive tasks. The findings showed that Copilot not only speeds up task completion—developers finished tasks 55% faster—but also allows them to focus on more engaging work. This holistic understanding of productivity emphasizes the importance of both speed and developer well-being, suggesting that AI tools like Copilot can make coding more enjoyable and efficient.

What were the main benefits reported by developers using GitHub Copilot?

Developers reported improved job satisfaction, reduced frustration, and the ability to focus on more meaningful work. Many also felt that the tool conserved their mental energy during repetitive tasks.

How much faster did developers complete tasks when using GitHub Copilot compared to those who didn't?

Developers using GitHub Copilot completed tasks an average of 55% faster than those who did not use the tool.

What methodology did researchers use to assess GitHub Copilot's impact?

Researchers conducted surveys and controlled experiments, including a study with 95 professional developers to measure task completion rates and time taken to complete tasks using GitHub Copilot.

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