When more people are building software, what's the value of software?
AI tools are making software easier and cheaper to build, changing what makes software valuable and how people use it.
Reported by Flavio Copes · context written by Hushread
In brief
- AI has reduced the time and cost needed to create software, allowing more people to build their own tools.
- The value of software is shifting from the code itself to how well it solves specific problems for users.
- As software becomes easier to produce, more customized and niche tools are being created for small groups or individuals.
- Generic software products face more competition as alternatives can be built quickly and cheaply by others.
- Long-term value in software now comes from understanding user needs, ongoing support, and building trust, not just writing code.
What happened
AI technology is making it much easier and faster for people to create software. Developers, designers, and even those with little programming experience can now build useful tools and apps with less effort and cost. This shift is leading to an increase in the number and variety of software products being made, often for very specific or small-scale needs.
Why it matters
This change affects software developers, businesses, and users. Developers and companies can no longer rely on the difficulty of writing code as a main source of value. Instead, they need to focus on solving real problems, understanding their users, and providing ongoing support. For users, it means more options and potentially better tools tailored to their needs, but also more choices to navigate.
How we got here
Traditionally, building software required significant time, expertise, and money, making finished products scarce and valuable. With AI tools, tasks that once took weeks or months can now be completed in days or even hours. This has made it possible for more people to build software, including those without deep technical backgrounds.
What happens next
We can expect to see even more specialized and personalized software created for small groups or individual needs. The most successful products will likely be those that deeply understand their users and provide reliable support, while generic or easily copied tools may struggle to stand out.