It is with great satisfaction that I share another important academic achievement of a student whom I had the privilege of co-supervising in the Master’s program in Digital Transformation at the University of Maia (UMAIA).

Rodrigo Sevilha Morais successfully completed his Master’s thesis, entitled “From Prompt to Code: Exploring AI-Assisted Programming in the Development of Digital Artifacts,” developed under the supervision of Professor Rui Humberto Ribeiro Pereira and co-supervision by myself.

Artificial Intelligence as Support for Software Development

This dissertation addresses one of the most current areas of digital transformation: the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence to support software development.

The study proposes and evaluates a structured AI-assisted development method, demonstrating how model-based language tools can support users without formal programming training in creating functional applications. The research adopts a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, using the development of a web platform as a practical demonstration of the viability of the proposed approach.

A New Paradigm for Software Development

In a context where Artificial Intelligence is profoundly transforming technological development processes, this research shows that these tools can reduce some technical barriers traditionally associated with programming.

However, the work also demonstrates that AI does not replace the role of the programmer. On the contrary, it reinforces the importance of the correct interpretation of requirements, the effective formulation of instructions (prompt engineering), the critical validation of the responses produced, the performance of tests, and the continuous improvement of the developed solutions. Thus, AI should be viewed as a technology supporting software development and not as a complete replacement for human intervention.

Applied Research in Emerging Technologies

This dissertation contributes to a better understanding of the changes that Generative Artificial Intelligence is introducing in software engineering and the democratization of digital application development.

By exploring structured methodologies for AI-assisted programming, the study provides a current perspective on the evolution of the skills required of technology professionals, highlighting the growing role of collaboration between humans and intelligent systems in the development of digital solutions.

An Academic Achievement

As co-supervisor, it was particularly rewarding to follow the evolution of this research and witness the scientific rigor, critical thinking, and dedication demonstrated by Rodrigo throughout this entire process.

The completion of this dissertation represents not only the culmination of an important academic cycle but also a relevant contribution to reflection on the future of software development and the digital transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence.

I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Rodrigo Sevilha Morais on this important academic achievement and wish him the greatest personal and professional success, confident that he will continue to develop innovative solutions and contribute to technological and scientific advancements in this field.