Mendix 10.18 release enhances AI-assisted development

Mendix, a Siemens business, has announced the general availability of its latest release, Mendix 10.18, which includes new features, performance upgrades, and AI-driven enhancements geared towards improving software development processes.

The latest Mendix update introduces various settings, such as Mendix GenAI Resource Packs and Compass, a built-in tool for facilitating organisations' digital transformation. By integrating low-code capabilities with AI, Mendix 10.18 provides AI-powered assistance throughout the software development lifecycle, enabling a simplified onboarding process and improved productivity.

The release focuses on three main areas: empowering AI innovation to transform ideas into impactful solutions, accelerating successful business outcomes with AI-assisted development, and enhancing governance and visibility in enterprise software development. Features include new generative AI services, advancements in smart application development, and tools for ensuring secure and responsible AI practices.

Mendix has launched the Mendix Cloud GenAI Resource Packs to simplify the integration of AI capabilities for organisations. These packs consist of two primary bundles: the Mendix Cloud Model Resource Pack and the Mendix Cloud Knowledge Base Resource Pack. These resources facilitate GenAI integration by providing ready-to-use instances within the platform and allowing companies to ground their AI models with proprietary data for better contextual accuracy.

The update also includes a new in-platform prompt management function to streamline collaboration between data science and application development. This feature simplifies the experimentation process by allowing users to switch between prompts easily and track token usage, aiding in evaluating use-case viability.

Additionally, Mendix 10.18 introduces Compass, a tool designed to guide organisations through digital transformation by offering expert onboarding to Mendix's enterprise-grade low-code development platform. Updates to Maia, the Mendix Artificial Intelligence Assistance, are included to enhance developer assistance with domain model generation, discoverable learning materials, and UI recommendations.

To foster better collaboration, Mendix 10.18 offers multilingual support in the Mendix Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and additional security and feedback enhancements. These features streamline Mendix applications and provide users with insights for development and customisation.

Content Filters have been implemented to safeguard GenAI applications, addressing sensitive topics by equipping enterprises with tools to detect problematic content. This addition comes in response to industry sentiments on AI applications' regulation and moderation challenges.

Mendix's deployment automation tool, Pipelines, now utilises AI with JIRA integration to ensure application quality by comparing models with Mendix's critical practices, enhancing productivity.

Luke Zawadzki, Head of Engineering at datascalehr, commented, "Mendix provides us with the ability to quickly prototype a new feature or behaviour. This allows us to test drive living, breathing functionality early in the process and discover problems or make adjustments early. It's great from a development perspective because you can actually deliver what your customers want."

Hans de Visser, Chief Product Officer at Mendix, stated, "The launch of 10.18 comes at a time where GenAI and best business practices are constantly evolving. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve, and a big part of that is providing our clients with meaningful platform-wide GenAI services. All updates directly work towards democratising access to AI capabilities and equipping users with the necessary tools for success."

"We will continue to adapt our ever-growing portfolio of services to elevate governance from the application level to the platform level - 10.18 is a step in the right direction, but we're not done yet."