Beyond the Autoregressive Horizon: A Comprehensive Survey of Diffusion Models, World Modelling, and State Space Models for Code
arXiv:2606.23690v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Autoregressive (AR) language models have driven significant progress in automated software engineering, enabling powerful code generation and assistance systems. However, the next-token prediction paradigm introduces structural limitations for code reasoning, including restricted global planning, challenges in maintaining long-range dependencies, and limited grounding in program execution semantics. Noting the heavy skewness of existing literature towards AR models, we discuss emerging paradigms that could potentially overcome the logic and sca
The established limitations of autoregressive models for complex code reasoning are becoming increasingly apparent, prompting a search for more robust alternatives as AI applications in software engineering mature.
This survey highlights emerging AI paradigms beyond current dominant models, suggesting future directions for highly capable and autonomous software engineering crucial for various AI-driven advancements.
The focus in AI for software engineering may shift from purely autoregressive models to a broader exploration of diffusion, world modelling, and state space models, enabling more sophisticated code generation and reasoning.
- · AI research institutions specializing in novel architectures
- · Companies developing advanced code generation tools
- · Open-source communities exploring non-AR AI for software
- · Platforms heavily invested solely in autoregressive model development for code
- · Software engineers using only rudimentary code assistance tools
New AI models will emerge that overcome the current limitations of autoregressive models in software engineering.
This will lead to more robust and autonomous AI agents capable of complex software development and debugging.
The increased sophistication of AI in software engineering could accelerate the development of other AI systems and intelligent infrastructure.
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