It’s time to go bigger

2026-06-20 · Source: Theo - t3․gg · Field: Technology & Digital — Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Intermediate, extended

Summary

The article posits that AI tools are fundamentally reshaping software development, drawing a parallel to the transformative impact of cloud computing. It argues that the new paradigm enables engineers to pursue "shitty horizontal plays" – all-in-one solutions that are broadly functional across many categories, rather than focusing on deep vertical expertise. This shift challenges traditional assumptions about project scoping, team structure, and what software is worth building or rebuilding. The author exemplifies this by introducing LakeBed, a personal cloud platform designed to simplify the deployment of "shitty apps" by integrating runtime, database, and bundling, allowing for rapid creation of multiple functional applications. The piece encourages developers to think bigger and push boundaries beyond automating existing tasks.

Key takeaway

For AI Engineers and software architects evaluating new project initiatives, recognize that AI tools fundamentally alter the cost-benefit of broad solutions. You should challenge the traditional focus on deep vertical specialization and instead explore "shitty horizontal plays" – integrated, all-in-one platforms that cover a wide range of functionalities. This approach allows for rapid prototyping and deployment of numerous applications, pushing boundaries beyond mere automation of existing tasks.

Key insights

AI's impact on software development mirrors the cloud's, enabling broad, functional "horizontal plays" over deep vertical specialization.

Principles

• Experimentation costs decrease with new foundational tech.
• AI enables broad, functional "horizontal plays" over deep verticals.
• Challenge industry truths on project scoping and team structure.

Method

The author proposes reinventing the entire software stack, including runtime, bundler, and database, to create integrated cloud platforms that simplify deployment and abstract away glue code.

In practice

• Build "shitty all-in-one" solutions for broad functionality.
• Reinvent core infrastructure to eliminate integration friction.

Topics

• AI in Software Development
• Cloud Computing Paradigm
• Horizontal Software Development
• Vertical Integration
• LakeBed Platform
• OMD Standard
• Developer Productivity

Best for: Entrepreneur, Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Director of AI/ML

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Theo - t3․gg.