GitLab unveils AI-powered Duo Chat & privacy controls for developers

GitLab has recently announced the general availability of GitLab Duo Chat, an essential tool for software developers. This innovative chat system wires the GitLab Duo suite's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into a straightforward, natural language chat interface. Its objective is to synchronise DevSecOps workflows throughout the software development lifecycle.

Moreover, the newest additions to the GitLab portfolio include AI privacy controls. Available for GitLab Premium and Ultimate customers, these controls are designed to manage sensitive data at varying degrees, such as project, group, and subgroup levels. The goal is to combat the security and compliance risks linked to AI adoption, ensuring a safer and more secure AI-powered work environment.

GitLab Duo Chat has been designed to streamline software development by integrating AI through this single, user-friendly chat interface. Its AI capabilities are accessible via the GitLab Duo Pro extension, enhancing developer efficiency and improving coordination within a single DevSecOps platform.

The notable features of GitLab Duo Chat include code explanation, code refactoring, and automated test generation. These tools aim to support users in understanding unfamiliar pieces of code, modernising out-of-date code, and automating the writing tests for functions and methods to detect software glitches earlier in the development process. This suite can be accessed directly from the GitLab user interface, including GitLab's Web IDE, as well as from popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like VS Code and the JetBrains suite of IDEs. The chat can also be customised by adding personal tools to assist users in completing organisation-specific tasks with heightened accuracy.

GitLab has found that data privacy is a significant concern among AI software developers. Within their State of AI in Software Development report, 79% of respondents expressed apprehension about AI tools potentially accessing private information or intellectual property.

Jim Mercer, Vice President of Software Development, DevOps and DevSecOps at IDC, spoke regarding concerns surrounding AI in the development world. According to a survey by IDC, developers utilising AI code assistants showed concerns about the security of the code generated. GitLab Duo's features can help organisations alleviate these concerns, allowing the effective production of AI software without compromising application security.

David DeSanto, Chief Product Officer at GitLab, spoke about the latest developments: "GitLab Duo embeds AI throughout the software development lifecycle while keeping customer privacy and security at the forefront. With the general availability of Chat, we look forward to partnering with our customers to help increase developer productivity, improve code quality, and automate security for more efficient and secure software development." He also pointed out that the new privacy controls would increase an organisation's ability to harness the power of AI while adhering to the necessary compliance standards.

GitLab's introduction of GitLab Duo Chat and AI privacy controls represents a significant advancement in streamlining software development processes while addressing critical data privacy and security concerns. By integrating AI capabilities into a user-friendly chat interface and offering privacy controls to manage sensitive data, GitLab empowers developers to enhance productivity, improve code quality, and automate security measures effectively. As organisations strive for more efficient and secure software development practices, GitLab's commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions positions it as a valuable partner in navigating the complexities of modern software development.