GitLab today revealed the latest enhancement to its suite – the GitLab Duo Chat. This novel feature propels the sphere of software development forward with an easy-to-use, single, natural language chat interface, optimising DevSecOps workflows and enhancing productivity.

GitLab Duo Chat consolidates the rich assortment of AI capabilities under the GitLab Duo umbrella. By unifying all these functions onto a single, intuitive, language chat interface, the platform ensures interconnectedness and seamless transition between DevSecOps workflows throughout the entire software development lifecycle. GitLab Duo Chat is a part of the GitLab Duo Pro add-on, a comprehensive tool designed to augment developer efficiency and incentivise collaboration within one unified DevSecOps platform.

Specific features offered by GitLab Duo Chat include code explanation, code refactoring, and test generation. Code explanation offers users clarity on unfamiliar code, while code refactoring modernises any legacy code. Test generation automates the writing of tests for functions and methods, catching bugs early and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. GitLab Duo Chat is accessible straight from the GitLab user interface, including GitLab's Web IDE, as well as other popular IDEs, such as VS Code and JetBrains. A unique edge is added by allowing custom tools to be incorporated; these help users accurately accomplish tasks specific to their organisation.

In response to the growing public worry regarding AI tools accessing private information or intellectual property, GitLab has introduced a new AI privacy controls feature. This feather in GitLab's cap is available for Premium and Ultimate customers.

GitLab's own State of AI in Software Development report concluded that 79% of respondents are significantly concerned about the privacy implications of using AI tools. To address this concern, necessary privacy controls have been introduced, enabling organisations to manage sensitive data at the project, group, and subgroup levels. The introduction of these controls is aimed at mitigating any potential security risks or compliance issues stemming from AI adoption.

Jim Mercer, Program Vice President of software development, DevOps, and DevSecOps at IDC, said: "An IDC generative AI survey revealed that developers leaning into generative AI code assistants have concerns about the security of the generated code". Mercer endorsed the features of GitLab Duo, stating they will be instrumental in resolving these concerns while effectively utilising AI for software creation, all without compromising security.

David DeSanto, Chief Product Officer at GitLab, shared his enthusiasm about the new offering, highlighting the important role of AI throughout the software development lifecycle combined with data privacy and security. He said, "With the general availability of Chat, we look forward to partnering with our customers to help increase developer productivity, improve code quality, and automate security for more efficient and secure software development." DeSanto further emphasised the strategic importance of the newly introduced privacy controls for compliance.