DeepCode survey finds 85% of software users prefer bug/security fixes over new features

Hi,

DeepCode — the platform for AI-powered code reviews — has released the results of its Software User Survey (included below).

Users clearly prefer bug-free software over new features

Among other findings, the survey revealed that 85% of people prefer that software companies focus more attention on fixing bugs and security vulnerabilities instead of developing new features. While it’s tempting to build new features, software companies need to stabilize what they have first or else 93% of their users could consider switching to a competitor.

“Too many software companies still believe that new features are what users want the most,” said Boris Paskalev, CEO and co-founder of DeepCode. “As this survey shows, what people really want is quality software that is safe to use.”

The survey was conducted through a census-balanced SurveyMonkey Audience panel of 185 people from the United States.

If you have any questions or are interested in the original data, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@deepcode.ai.

1. How many different computer programs and apps do you use on a daily basis?

1–5–41%

6–10–37%

11–15–16%

16+ — 6%

2. How much does your confidence in a program or app decrease when you encounter a bug or security vulnerability in it?

How much does your confidence in a program or app decrease when you encounter a bug or security vulnerability in it?

A lot — 41%

A little — 51%

Not at all — 9%

3. Do bugs or security vulnerabilities in a program/app make you consider switching to a different program/app?

Every time — 19%

Sometimes — 74%

Not at all — 6%

4. Have you ever switched to another program/app because of a bug or security vulnerability?

Have you ever switched to another program/app because of a bug or security vulnerability?

Yes — 72%

No — 28%

5. Do you think software companies view bugs and security vulnerabilities in their software as seriously as they should?

Do you think software companies view bugs and security vulnerabilities in their software as seriously as they should?

Yes — 59%

No — 41%

6. Would you prefer that software companies focus more attention on fixing bugs and security vulnerabilities or developing new features?

Fixing bugs and security vulnerabilities — 85%

Developing new features — 15%

7. Do you think software quality has become better or worse in the last five years?

Better — 83%

Worse — 17%

8. Have you ever lost data or had your personal information compromised because of a software bug or security vulnerability?

Yes — 54%

No — 46%