Agentic AI in Software Development: The Strategic Role of GitHub Copilot Coding Agent

This IDC Market Note examines the significance of the GitHub Copilot coding agent in software development."GitHub Copilot's coding agent is redefining how organizations approach software development by introducing autonomous, asynchronous AI collaborators that integrate directly into existing workflows and operate securely within enterprise guardrails. This technology not only accelerates routine tasks but also empowers teams to delegate complex assignments, orchestrate multistep solutions, and maintain full transparency and control through human-in-the-loop approvals and session logs. By leveraging advanced features like Model Context Protocol for secure access to third-party data and customizable environments, the Copilot coding agent enables organizations to scale innovation, reduce context switching, and amplify developer productivity in ways that were previously unattainable. As agentic AI becomes a core part of the development life cycle, organizations that adopt these capabilities will unlock new levels of efficiency and value creation, positioning their teams to lead in an era defined by rapid technological change and collaborative intelligence." — Arnal Dayaratna, research vice president, Software Development