Who is using AI to code? Global diffusion and impact of generative AI
Summary
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 co
Content
# Who is using AI to code? Global diffusion and impact of generative AI
*Published: 2026 Feb 19*
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.
DOI: 10.1126/science.adz9311