Who is using AI to code? Global diffusion and impact of generative AI
Abstract
Generative coding tools promise big productivity gains, but uneven uptake could widen skill and income gaps. We train a neural classifier to spot artificial intelligence (AI)-generated Python functions in more than 30 million GitHub commits by 160,097 software developers, tracking how fast, and where, these tools take hold. Currently, AI writes an estimated 29% of Python functions in the US-a shrinking lead over other countries. We estimate that quarterly output, measured in online code contributions, consequently increased by 3.6%. AI seems to benefit experienced, senior-level developers: They increased productivity and more readily expanded into new domains of software development. By contrast, early-career developers showed no significant benefits from AI adoption. This may widen skill gaps and reshape future career ladders in software development.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Ethics and Social Impacts of AI
Software Engineering Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Science
- Publisher
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Volume
- 391
- Issue
- 6787
- Pages
- 831–835
- Publication date
- 22 January 2026
- Language
- EN