AI is making software softer.

Traditionally, software is something someone else builds and you use. You can customize it, but only within the boundaries the developers give you.

I think that’s changing.

Recently, I’ve noticed two trends.

First, people are reverse-engineering existing tools and building their own versions, just so the software fits the bespoke requirements they have.

Second, people are adding feedback dialogues directly into the software. Instead of sending a feature request into the void, you tell an agent inside the product what you want changed. The agent can then modify the software itself.

Both trends point to the same thing. Software is becoming malleable.

This malleable version of software requires us to reimagine tools beyond the usual write, compile, execute cycle. We bring that compilation step into the software experience itself. Changing the software becomes an expected part of using it.

We’re no longer mass-producing aircraft and then flying them. We’re building and changing the aircraft while we fly.

We’re moving toward softerware.