October’s post asked whether AI is changing the way software is built. Since then, Stack Overflow has published its 2026 Developer Survey, which shows what developers themselves think. The answer is more interesting than the headlines suggest.
Everyone Uses It, Few Fully Trust It
The survey drew more than 30,000 developers from 169 countries. About two thirds (65.9%) use coding assistants or agents, and 26.2% use automated agent workflows. Yet only 6.6% said they would trust AI with an important decision.
Nearly half said they trust AI output when they can verify it. And 78.7% said knowing where an answer came from matters when judging AI-generated code.
That Scepticism Is Healthy
That’s a welcome sign. AI is very good at producing code quickly. It’s less good at understanding your business rules, your security requirements or why that odd workaround exists in your older system. Someone experienced still has to read it, test it and take responsibility for what goes live.
The Rules Haven’t Caught Up
One number stands out. Only 24% of developers said their employer had approved tools or an official AI policy. Another 29.7% said AI use at work was optional and left to the individual.
If you commission software, that matters. On many projects, nobody has formally decided which AI tools touch your code, or what data gets pasted into them.
Questions to Ask Any Development Partner
- Which AI tools do you use, and are they approved by your company?
- Does any of our code or data leave our environment?
- How is AI-generated code reviewed and tested?
- Who is accountable if something goes wrong?
A good partner will answer these without hesitation. A vague reply tells you something too.
Fast Only Counts If It’s Safe
AI can shorten delivery times, and that’s a real benefit. But the goal isn’t to ship faster for its own sake. It’s to ship software that works, stays secure and can still be maintained long after the launch.
Planning a new application, or unsure how AI fits into your current projects?
Get in touch and share what you’re working on.
