An Analysis of the Usage of ChatGPT and other Generative AI software among IT developers

ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI, has shown significant potential in supporting developers in various tasks from coding through documentation and developing implementation plans. Other competing generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) models such as Bard and Wolfram Alpha have been used to a varying degree as aids to developers. Our study explores the use of ChatGPT and other LLMs (Large Language Models) by professional developers as well as other Stack Overflow users and finds that there are significant differences in usage by age with younger users significantly more likely to use LLMs than older individuals. Other major findings explore the usage by developer type, professional status and the effect of user sentiment and trust in AI on the usage of ChatGPT for developers.