The Agentic Era: Simplifying Code, Complicating Judgment

We're living in a time where the barriers to entry for coding have never been lower. With the rise of no-code and low-code tools, almost anyone can piece together an app or a website. It sounds like a dream come true, right? But there's a twist: while the complexity of coding has been stripped away, the premium on human judgment has doubled.

The Shift to No-Code Solutions

No-code platforms like Bubble, Webflow, and Airtable have democratized app development. You no longer need a computer science degree to bring a digital idea to life. In fact, Forrester predicts that by the end of 2024, these platforms will account for more than 65% of app development. That's a big deal.

But, as coding skills become less critical, the importance of making the right calls skyrockets. It’s not just about building something anymore. It’s about building the right thing. I've been in that room. Here's what they're not saying: the tools are easy, but the decisions are hard.

Human Judgment in the Driver's Seat

In this agentic era, the real currency isn’t the ability to code but the smarts to know what to build and why. The pitch deck says one thing. The product says another. And what really matters is whether anyone's actually using this.

Decisions about user experience, market need, and strategic growth are more important than ever. Companies may churn out apps faster, but without solid judgment, those apps won’t stick. It’s a bit like having a shiny new sports car without knowing how to drive it.

Why This Matters

So, what's the big takeaway? The tools at our disposal have leveled up, but so has the responsibility on our shoulders. We need to ask ourselves, are we ready to make the kind of decisions that technology alone can't handle?

The founder story is interesting. The metrics are more interesting. In a world where tech is cheap and easy to use, the real innovation lies in the decisions we make. And that's not something a machine can do for us, at least not yet.