How Developers Interact with AI: A Taxonomy of Human-AI Collaboration in Software Engineering

Christoph Treude, Marco A. Gerosa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models and generative AI, is emerging as a significant force in software development, offering developers powerful tools that span the entire development lifecycle. Although software engineering research has extensively studied AI tools in software development, the specific types of interactions between developers and these AI-powered tools have only recently begun to receive attention. Understanding and improving these interactions has the potential to enhance productivity, trust, and efficiency in AI-driven workflows. In this paper, we propose a taxonomy of interaction types between developers and AI tools, identifying eleven distinct interaction types, such as auto-complete code suggestions, command-driven actions, and conversational assistance. Building on this taxonomy, we outline a research agenda focused on optimizing AI interactions, improving developer control, and addressing trust and usability challenges in AI-assisted development. By establishing a structured foundation for studying developer-AI interactions, this paper aims to stimulate research on creating more effective, adaptive AI tools for software development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2025 IEEE/ACM 2nd International Conference on AI Foundation Models and Software Engineering, FORGE 2025
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages236-240
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9798331502119
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
Externally publishedYes
Event2nd IEEE/ACM International Conference on AI Foundation Models and Software Engineering, FORGE 2025 - Ottawa, Canada
Duration: Apr 27 2025Apr 28 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2025 IEEE/ACM 2nd International Conference on AI Foundation Models and Software Engineering, FORGE 2025

Conference

Conference2nd IEEE/ACM International Conference on AI Foundation Models and Software Engineering, FORGE 2025
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityOttawa
Period4/27/254/28/25

Keywords

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Developer Tools
  • Generative AI
  • Human-AI Interaction
  • Large Language Models
  • Software Development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Software

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