Pre-Filtering Code Suggestions using Developer Behavioral Telemetry to Optimize LLM-Assisted Programming

Abstract--Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly integrated into code editors to provide AI-powered code suggestions. Y et many of these suggestions are ignored, resulting in wasted computation, increased latency, and unnecessary interruptions. We introduce a lightweight pre-filtering model that predicts the likelihood of suggestion acceptance before invoking the LLM, using only real-time developer telemetry such as typing speed, file navigation, and editing activity. Deployed in a production-grade Visual Studio Code plugin over four months of naturalistic use, our approach nearly doubled acceptance rates (18.4% 34.2%) while suppressing 35% of low-value LLM calls. These findings demonstrate that behavioral signals alone can meaningfully improve both user experience and system efficiency in LLM-assisted programming, highlighting the value of timing-aware, privacy-preserving adaptation mechanisms. The filter operates solely on pre-invocation editor telemetry and never inspects code or prompts. Large Language Models (LLMs) have rapidly transformed the landscape of software development by enabling intelligent code completions, refactorings, and in-editor conversations. These capabilities are increasingly integrated into modern development environments, particularly through plugins for popular IDEs such as Visual Studio Code. However, despite their power, LLM-driven code suggestions often fail to align with developer intent in real-time, leading to low acceptance rates, disrupted workflows, and wasted computational resources [1].