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I spent 8 years building Google Sheets. Now I think apps are on their way out

Zach Lloyd, former Google Sheets principal engineer, argues that AI coding agents will make standalone apps obsolete, shifting value to data and meta-apps. He recounts building a Sheets clone in days and predicts a future where anyone can build custom software by describing what they want.

SourceHacker News AIAuthor: zcrar70
I spent 8 years building Google Sheets. Now I think apps are on their way out
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Under the source content permission, this page provides an editorial summary, key points, and a link to the original article.

Key points and analysis

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Key points

  • AI coding agents can replicate complex apps like Google Sheets in days, reducing the value of standalone app interfaces.
  • Value in software is moving from interfaces to underlying data; frontends become liabilities.
  • The rise of 'meta-apps' that build custom tools on demand will enable anyone to create software without coding.
  • Companies should structure data for agents now to avoid being locked into legacy app ecosystems.

Highlights and analysis are generated automatically and may contain errors. Check the original source.

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