Has the AI Disruption Arrived - and Will It Just Make Software Cheaper and More Accessible?

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by EditorDavid

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

AI-driven tools like Anthropic's Claude Code are revolutionizing software development, making it faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever before. In a recent essay for *The New York Times*, programmer and entrepreneur Paul Ford highlights how these tools have transformed his approach to coding. What once took years or cost hundreds of thousands of dollars can now be accomplished in minutes or for just $200 a month. Ford argues that AI isn’t replacing developers but rather democratizing the craft, allowing even non-experts to create functional software quickly and efficiently. While the quality may not match handcrafted code, it often meets user needs and deadlines, challenging traditional notions of professionalism in tech. Ford emphasizes that AI coding assistants are particularly valuable for projects that would otherwise be deemed too time-consuming or expensive. He describes how he’s been able to complete side projects that had lingered for years, using AI to turn ideas into reality with minimal effort. This shift could unlock millions—or even billions—of software products that previously went unrealized due to budget constraints or complexity. Ford acknowledges the anxiety some feel as AI disrupts traditional workflows but sees this technology as an opportunity to put powerful tools in more hands, enabling anyone to build solutions for their needs. The implications of AI-driven coding extend beyond efficiency; they challenge long-standing norms about software quality and value. Ford notes that while AI-generated code might not meet rigorous corporate standards, it often works well enough for individual or small-scale use cases. This democratization could empower non-experts to solve problems independently, bypassing traditional development processes. For example, someone who struggled with spreadsheets or to-do lists could now build a custom app or dashboard tailored to their specific needs.

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/22/2026