A EVOLUÇÃO DA INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL GENERATIVA E SUAS APLICAÇÕES NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DE SOFTWARE: AMEAÇA OU ALIADO DO PROGRAMADOR?

Generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) has improved software development, sparking debates about its role as a threat or an ally for programmers. This article aims to analyze the evolution of generative AI, its applications in software development, and its implications for the profession, assessing whether it replaces or complements human labor. The methodology involves a literature review of academic sources and two real-world case studies: the use of GitHub Copilot at Microsoft and vulnerabilities in AI-generated code at a financial technology company. The results show that generative AI, such as Copilot, increases productivity by automating repetitive tasks and democratizing development, but also introduces risks, such as errors and security vulnerabilities, requiring human oversight. The Microsoft case study confirms AI as an ally, while the security case highlights potential threats when misused. The conclusion is that the impact of generative AI depends on its responsible integration, with rigorous reviews and adequate training. Thus, it can enhance programmers' creativity and efficiency, as long as it is balanced with human expertise, promoting a more innovative and ethical future for software development.