Code Is A Commodity (benwilber.github.io)

A recent discussion has highlighted a significant shift in the software landscape: code has become a commodity. The cost and complexity involved in writing code have drastically decreased due to three key factors: the rise of free and open-source software (FOSS), the affordability of cloud computing platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure, and advancements in AI technologies from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic that facilitate code generation. This transformation leads to a re-evaluation of what truly adds value in software development, shifting focus from code quality and programming expertise to aspects like strategic decision-making and effective timing for product launches. However, the commoditization of code also raises concerns, as it may lead to an influx of low-quality features and a heightened risk of complexity within software systems. Just as inexpensive steel retains its essential nature without being a differentiating factor, code has become foundational but not necessarily innovative on its own. This transition emphasizes the importance of thoughtful engineering strategies, ensuring that teams do not merely churn out code without learning or improving their processes, or the proliferation of “spam” features that could overwhelm users and degrade the overall software quality.