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Main Authors: Dolata, Mateusz, Lange, Norbert, Schwabe, Gerhard
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.05790
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author Dolata, Mateusz
Lange, Norbert
Schwabe, Gerhard
author_facet Dolata, Mateusz
Lange, Norbert
Schwabe, Gerhard
contents The rise of generative AI has led many companies to hire freelancers to harness its potential. However, this technology presents unique challenges to developers who have not previously engaged with it. Freelancers may find these challenges daunting due to the absence of organizational support and their reliance on positive client feedback. In a study involving 52 freelance developers, we identified multiple challenges associated with developing solutions based on generative AI. Freelancers often struggle with aspects they perceive as unique to generative AI such as unpredictability of its output, the occurrence of hallucinations, and the inconsistent effort required due to trial-and-error prompting cycles. Further, the limitations of specific frameworks, such as token limits and long response times, add to the complexity. Hype-related issues, such as inflated client expectations and a rapidly evolving technological ecosystem, further exacerbate the difficulties. To address these issues, we propose Software Engineering for Generative AI (SE4GenAI) and Hype-Induced Software Engineering (HypeSE) as areas where the software engineering community can provide effective guidance. This support is essential for freelancers working with generative AI and other emerging technologies.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2401_05790
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Development in times of hype: How freelancers explore Generative AI?
Dolata, Mateusz
Lange, Norbert
Schwabe, Gerhard
Software Engineering
The rise of generative AI has led many companies to hire freelancers to harness its potential. However, this technology presents unique challenges to developers who have not previously engaged with it. Freelancers may find these challenges daunting due to the absence of organizational support and their reliance on positive client feedback. In a study involving 52 freelance developers, we identified multiple challenges associated with developing solutions based on generative AI. Freelancers often struggle with aspects they perceive as unique to generative AI such as unpredictability of its output, the occurrence of hallucinations, and the inconsistent effort required due to trial-and-error prompting cycles. Further, the limitations of specific frameworks, such as token limits and long response times, add to the complexity. Hype-related issues, such as inflated client expectations and a rapidly evolving technological ecosystem, further exacerbate the difficulties. To address these issues, we propose Software Engineering for Generative AI (SE4GenAI) and Hype-Induced Software Engineering (HypeSE) as areas where the software engineering community can provide effective guidance. This support is essential for freelancers working with generative AI and other emerging technologies.
title Development in times of hype: How freelancers explore Generative AI?
topic Software Engineering
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.05790