A new open standard called Quillx aims to bring transparency to software development by helping developers disclose how much AI was involved in creating their code. Launched by QAInsights, the framework uses a 1-5 scale to categorize projects based on the degree of human versus AI authorship, from fully handcrafted code to AI-generated output.

Why create such a standard? As AI coding tools become ubiquitous, the line between human and machine-generated software grows blurry. Quillx addresses this by borrowing from writing terminology—classifying code as everything from Verse (entirely human-crafted) to Lorem Ipsum (AI-generated and deployed without significant human editing). The system encourages honest disclosure rather than purity, recognizing that AI use exists on a spectrum rather than as a binary choice.

The standard includes simple implementation through badges or text declarations in README files. Developers can self-declare their project's score, with the understanding that the community will validate these claims over time. By framing code as literature with distinct voices and styles, Quillx provides a practical framework for navigating the evolving relationship between human developers and AI assistants.