In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to play an increasingly significant role in software development. AI-based tools, such as coding assistants and automatic code generators, are transforming the way developers work, promising greater efficiency and shorter development times. However, it is essential to clarify what AI’s real contribution is within an Agile team: it is not a replacement for established collaborative practices, such as pair programming, but rather individual support in code writing.

The Advantages of Artificial Intelligence in Development

Artificial intelligence applied to programming offers several tangible benefits:

• Reduced development time: through automatic generation of code portions, contextual completion suggestions, and the ability to quickly retrieve documentation or solutions to common problems
• Decision support: AI can suggest alternative solutions, optimize existing functions, or indicate potential errors, acting as an intelligent assistant during development
• Increased individual productivity: developers can delegate repetitive or low-value tasks to AI, focusing on logic and architecture

However, it is important not to attribute to AI a role it cannot guarantee: there is no certainty that artificial intelligence improves code quality. Its contribution should be understood as an acceleration and support tool, but the responsibility for code quality and maintainability remains with the developer.

Pair Programming: Human Collaboration, Not Replaceable

In the Agile context, one of the most appreciated practices for improving software quality is pair programming. This is a collaborative approach where two developers work together on the same task, sharing keyboard and monitor. The roles alternate:

• The driver writes the code
• The navigator observes, reflects, identifies errors, and suggests solutions

This alternation stimulates continuous discussion, reduces the risk of bugs, improves domain understanding, and promotes knowledge sharing within the team.

Why AI Cannot Replace Pair Programming

AI, however advanced, is not a programming companion in the human sense. It does not possess:

• Understanding of the project context
• Bidirectional discussion
• Guarantee of sharing architectural decisions
• Role exchange
• Empathetic communication
• Real mutual learning

AI as Individual Support: A New Role in the Developer’s Stack

We can therefore define artificial intelligence as a personal assistance tool, particularly useful for:

• Writing code faster
• Understanding less familiar libraries or APIs
• Generating boilerplate or repetitive snippets
• Quickly analyzing existing code

This type of support is particularly effective during:

• Prototyping
• Debugging
• Working alone and needing a “simulated” discussion before involving other team members

Conclusions

Artificial intelligence represents a significant evolution in the world of software development, and its impact cannot be underestimated. However, in the Agile context, the value of human collaboration remains irreplaceable. Pair programming continues to be one of the most effective practices for ensuring quality, cohesion, and continuous learning within a team.

Ultimately, AI is not a substitute, but a silent ally. Like any good tool, it performs best when used consciously and integrated into a process that values people first and foremost.

---

This article explores the role of AI in software development, clarifying how it serves as individual support rather than a replacement for collaborative practices like pair programming in Agile teams.