Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot transform modern software development workflows with enhanced speed and productivity. Despite the rapid adoption of these tools in corporate settings, little is known about how they work in developing open-source software (OSS), where trust, quality, and transparency are essential. The impact of such tools on OSS ecosystems and their compatibility with the fundamental ideas of sustainability and openness are examined in this thesis. Research Question This study’s central research question is: How do generative AI tools affect OSS communities’ sustainability and productivity? Two sub-questions further explore: (1) what guidelines OSS communities have implemented for responsible AI use, and (2) how projects manage technical debt and maintainer workload introduced by AI-generated code. Method The study employs a quantitative survey methodology distributed to OSS contributors and maintainers via GitHub forums and developer networks. The survey included closed and open-ended questions, capturing perspectives on AI adoption, perceived benefits, risks, and governance. Twenty-one valid responses were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results The results indicate that generative AI tools enhance individual productivity, especially in code generation and refactoring. These gains are often offset by increased review efforts and concerns over code quality. Respondents reported frequent issues with inconsistent AI-generated code, rising technical debt, and difficulty trusting code with unclear attribution. According to 57% of respondents, there are currently no explicit rules governing the use of AI in their open-source communities, and most of them believe that the rules, even if present, are ineffective. Discussion These results imply that although AI tools may be more efficient, their unchecked application may jeopardize open source software’s (OSS) sustainability, transparency, and legal clarity. Without open governance, the benefits of incorporating AI may be jeopardized by higher maintenance expenses and cultural misalignment. The study recommends that OSS communities develop usage guidelines, improve attribution tools, and support maintainers in AI-aware code review. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts of AI on OSS collaboration and how community-driven policies can mitigate emerging risks.
Author: Dhanore, Yash Mohan
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7057074519