Grounded Copilot: How Programmers Interact with Code-Generating Models

Powered by recent advances in code-generating models, AI assistants like Github Copilot promise to change
the face of programming forever. But what is this new face of programming? We present the first grounded
theory analysis of how programmers interact with Copilot, based on observing 20 participants—with a range of
prior experience using the assistant—as they solve diverse programming tasks across four languages. Our main
finding is that interactions with programming assistants are bimodal: in acceleration mode, the programmer
knows what to do next and uses Copilot to get there faster; in exploration mode, the programmer is unsure
how to proceed and uses Copilot to explore their options. Based on our theory, we provide recommendations
for improving the usability of future AI programming assistants.