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Saved February 14, 2026
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Karri Saarinen discusses how the core of software work is evolving from manual coding to using AI-driven tools that streamline the development process. As these tools take on more coding tasks, the emphasis shifts to understanding project intent and ensuring that outcomes align with goals.
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Karri Saarinen argues that the focus of software development is shifting away from traditional coding practices. Historically, the bulk of software work involved transforming ideas into functional code, a process that required significant time and skill. However, advancements in AI and code generation are changing this dynamic. Now, workflows can produce usable code with minimal human input, making the role of the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) more about viewing code rather than writing it. This reduces the time spent on manual coding and shifts the emphasis to understanding project goals and gathering context from users and teams.
Saarinen emphasizes that product design is no longer just about tools or artifacts; itβs about clarifying intentions and making informed decisions based on exploration and collaboration. As coding becomes less central, directing AI-driven workflows takes on greater importance. Effective product teams must now set up conditions that enable good solutions to emerge, focusing on the broader organizational context rather than individual coding tasks. The Linear workspace aims to facilitate this by capturing project intent, needs, and constraints, ensuring that everyone involved understands their roles and objectives.
As these changes unfold, the pressure on teams will increase at the review and release stages of the development process. Tooling and workflows must evolve to manage this output effectively. The core challenge will be in forming clear intents and ensuring that the final products align with those intents. With the middle of the coding process becoming less prominent, organizations must adapt to maintain quality and coherence in their outputs.
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