OutSystems launches Mentor for AI-driven app development

OutSystems has announced the launch of Mentor, an AI-powered application generation experience for the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Mentor, which was previously known as Project Morpheus, is designed to enhance developer productivity by integrating low-code and GenAI technology to generate, deliver, and monitor applications. It offers a full SDLC digital worker approach that aims to be a game-changer in software development and management workflows.

During the launch announcement, Paulo Rosado, CEO & Founder of OutSystems, emphasised the potential Mentor offers by saying, "The Generative Software Cycle is here. In fact, 93% of executives are planning to increase their investment in AI-powered solutions, driving developer productivity and value creation to unprecedented heights. But speed can lead to technical debt and security issues if not managed carefully. With OutSystems Mentor, developers can now build full-stack applications in minutes, without sacrificing quality, security, or governance. Mentor ensures apps are built right from the start, changing how software development gets done."

Mentor incorporates a "shift-left" approach, allowing application creation to begin with discovery and rapid prototyping. IT teams can validate concepts and refine designs before full-scale development. This approach ensures streamlined processes as users describe their app needs, and Mentor generates an initial version, complete with front-end functionality, data structures, and integrated business logic.

The system combines features of the AI Mentor System with innovations of the OutSystems Developer Cloud, which enables IT teams to generate fully functional applications quickly and iteratively refine them using AI-driven suggestions.

Additionally, Mentor offers capabilities such as embedding AI agents within apps for enhanced user interactions and validating app quality through AI-powered code reviews to maintain high development standards.

John Bratincevic, Principal Analyst, and Diego Lo Giudice, VP, Principal Analyst at Forrester, noted, "The classical SDLC assumes that ideation, analysis, design, and development tasks are, and should be, performed by separate specialised roles and steps — but AI can and will combine these tasks into a frictionless creative act."

Mentor is part of OutSystems' broader AI strategy, which aims to utilise generative AI for accelerating application development, improving security, and enhancing agility. It addresses common code challenges by eliminating issues like orphaned code and poor code quality, while ensuring transparency and explainability in AI operations.

The early access programme for Mentor is now open for interested developers and IT leaders. The GenAI-powered app generator and editor capabilities are anticipated to be generally available by early 2025. OutSystems encourages interested parties to explore Mentor further through its dedicated platform.