Smart Cars, Tough Code: Survey Reveals Automotive Developer Struggles

A new survey by Perforce Software reveals the mounting challenges faced by automotive software developers as vehicles become increasingly software-driven. 

Polling over 650 professionals globally, the study highlights quality, security, and compliance as top concerns in the fast-evolving world of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Pressure on Code Quality

Software quality is the biggest concern, with 29 per cent of developers citing it over safety, at 21 per cent. Complex codebases, inconsistent best practices, and time consuming testing, noted by 47 per cent as the most demanding task, pose significant challenges. 

Modern vehicles, using up to 150 electronic control units for features like keyless entry and customised driving, demand flawless code, which is tough to deliver consistently.

As per the survey, security has also overtaken safety as a worry outside Asia Pacific, with 53 per cent of developers fearing unauthorised access to vehicle systems, up from 32 per cent last year. Frequent code vulnerabilities affect 35 per cent, while 56 per cent have faced recalls. 

On a positive note, 75 per cent of developers now receive security training or tools, a jump from 41 per cent in 2022, reflecting efforts to bolster defences.

Meeting standards like ISO 26262 for safety, and ISO/SAE 21434 for cybersecurity, complicates development. MISRA guidelines and AUTOSAR C++14 help ensure reliable code. 

EVs and AI in Focus

Electric vehicles dominate, with 51 per cent of developers deeply engaged and 33 per cent somewhat involved. 

AI and machine learning use in design fell to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, but they remain crucial for autonomous driving, at 49 per cent, and connected car features, at 45 per cent.

With vehicles running on billions of code lines, developers face intense demands for secure, high quality software. 

Growing adoption of early security measures and automated testing points to a future of safer, smarter cars, despite the challenges.

Also read: BMW Banks On Unique Tech Advancements to Attract Customers