The developer as conductor: Leading an orchestra of AI agents with the feature flag baton

The New Stack

by TNS Staff

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The developer’s role is evolving into that of a conductor, leading an orchestra of AI agents powered by feature flags in the age of agentic development. In a recent podcast discussion following Dynatrace’s acquisition of DevCycle, Michael Beemer and Andrew Norris highlighted how feature flags are becoming essential for managing AI-driven workflows. The integration of DevCycle’s capabilities into Dynatrace’s observability platform provides developers with a comprehensive view of software performance at the feature level. This combination addresses critical visibility gaps, enabling teams to monitor and control AI-generated code effectively. Feature flags act as a “safety net” by allowing developers to implement AI tools without compromising quality. Norris emphasized that these flags enable a “human in the loop,” giving teams the ability to review and approve AI-generated code before full deployment. This approach not only accelerates development but also reduces risk, making it particularly valuable for enterprises adopting agentic development. Beemer stressed the importance of industry standards like Open Feature, which aim to prevent vendor lock-in and ensure compatibility across platforms. As AI reshapes workflows, the developer’s identity is shifting toward a more strategic role. Norris compared this evolution to conducting an orchestra, where developers orchestrate AI agents while maintaining precise control through feature flags. This metaphor underscores the importance of mastering tools that balance speed and reliability in a rapidly changing landscape. For DevOps professionals, understanding and leveraging these techniques

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Originally published on The New Stack on 2/19/2026