Author argues AI makes glue work less vital

The author argues that glue work—the unrewarded, non-technical coordination and administrative tasks involved in building software—is even less important in the age of AI than it was previously. AI agents reduce the coordination required to ship projects, changes in the industry have reduced the presence of difficult gatekeepers and junior staff needing heavy onboarding, and LLMs can automate write-only reports. While some engineers attempt to excessively automate communication, the author cautions that delegating direct interpersonal communication with colleagues to AI tools is harmful to working relationships. Open article →