Implementing AI in JAVA

This course is a complete guide to understanding how to successfully utlise AI when developing with Java using GitHub Copilot. This course will engage in a hands-on workshop to collaboratively develop and improve project documentation, reinforcing teamwork and practical documentation skills. Learners will require an understanding of functionalities, setup, and operation of GitHub prior to the course.

Prerequisites

• Learners should be comfortable with the concepts of software development, file systems and the command line. No specific programming skills are required.
• Learners will need an email address they are willing to use as part of this course to build and work with GIT and GITHub.

Technical prerequisites

• Learners must have access to GitHub Copilot to be able to complete this course. A GitHub copilot license can be obtained through the GitHub copilot Website.

Target Audience

This course has been designed for learners who are:

• Software Engineers
• Front-End Developers
• Full-Stack Developers

By the end of this course, you will learn how to:

• Articulate the historical evolution and transformative impact of AI on software development processes.
• Be equipped to critically assess the ethical implications of using AI in software projects.
• Demonstrate proficiency in setting up and using GitHub Copilot, understanding its functionalities, and integrating it into development workflow to enhance coding efficiency.
• Apply AI concepts to real-world coding tasks and identify common pitfalls in AI-assisted development, developing strategies to mitigate these challenges.
• Understand advanced GitHub Copilot features and the legal considerations associated with its use in software development.
• Employ AI tools to create and enhance project documentation, ensuring clarity, comprehensiveness, and maintainability.

Understanding AI in Software Development

This session lays the groundwork for the entire course, introducing the transformative role of AI in software development. Understanding the evolution, potential, and ethical considerations of AI is crucial for developers to appreciate the context and significance of subsequent tools and methodologies introduced in the course.

Deep Dive into GitHub Copilot

As the primary tool covered in this course, a thorough understanding of GitHub Copilot’s functionalities, setup, and operation is essential. This knowledge directly impacts a developer's ability to apply AI in their work effectively, making it nearly as crucial as foundational AI knowledge.

Practical Application and Pitfalls

Applying the concepts learned in a practical setting is vital for reinforcing knowledge and building confidence. Additionally, discussing common pitfalls and how to avoid them prepares developers for real-world challenges, making this section highly important for practical application.

Debugging and Adherence to Standards

Debugging and adherence to coding standards are fundamental skills for any developer. While incredibly important, the principles covered here are not unique to AI-assisted development, thus sharing a similar weight with legal considerations.

Advanced GitHub Copilot Features and Legal Considerations

Advanced features and legal considerations are crucial for developers who want to deepen their expertise and ensure their work complies with legal standards. However, this section is slightly less critical than others due to its more specialized focus.

Generating and Improving Documentation

Documentation is often overlooked but is essential for long-term project success and maintenance. This session's focus on using AI to generate and improve documentation addresses a critical need, ensuring that software is usable and maintainable.

Hands-On Documentation Workshop

This practical workshop allows participants to apply what they've learned about documentation in a collaborative setting, which is valuable for reinforcing learning. The wrap-up discussion emphasises continuous learning and ethical considerations, which are essential but less immediately practical for day-to-day development tasks.