In the ever-evolving world of technology, few voices have shaped public understanding of software like Paul Ford's. His 2015 essay, "What Is Code?" published in Bloomberg Businessweek, became a seminal piece that demystified the digital world for millions, explaining the intricacies of coding in accessible terms. Now, nearly a decade later, Ford is turning his gaze to artificial intelligence, expressing astonishment at its rapid integration into software development. In a recent interview with Business Insider, the veteran coder and writer shared his thoughts on how AI is reshaping the industry he has chronicled for decades.
Ford, who has built a career bridging the gap between technical expertise and public discourse, founded his latest venture, Aboard, a New York City-based business software agency. The company focuses on creating tailored software solutions for enterprises, leveraging Ford's deep experience in both writing about and developing technology. Based in the heart of Manhattan, Aboard represents Ford's continued commitment to practical innovation, serving clients who need custom tools to navigate complex business landscapes.
Speaking from his perspective as both a practitioner and observer, Ford described his reaction to AI's capabilities in a way that underscores the field's transformative pace. "I'm blown away by the work AI can do in software now," he told Business Insider, highlighting tools like Anthropic's Claude, which he referenced in the conversation as emblematic of this new era. Ford's comments come at a time when AI assistants are increasingly assisting—or even supplanting—human coders in writing, debugging, and optimizing code.
The interview, conducted in early 2026 and published on Business Insider's site, delves into Ford's reflections on the "vibe" of coding in the AI age. He contrasted the deliberate, human-centric process he outlined in "What Is Code?" with today's AI-driven workflows, where algorithms can generate functional code from natural language prompts. According to Ford, this shift isn't just technical; it's cultural, altering how developers think about their craft.
Background on Ford's influence provides crucial context for his current views. His Bloomberg piece, which spanned over 38,000 words, was praised for its narrative style, weaving personal anecdotes with explanations of everything from HTML to enterprise systems. It reportedly reached an audience far beyond tech circles, helping non-experts grasp why software underpins modern life—from social media feeds to banking apps. Ford, a former software engineer who has worked at companies like Google and Media Group, has since authored books and consulted on tech policy.
In the Business Insider piece, Ford discussed specific AI applications in software, pointing to models like Claude as game-changers. He noted how these tools can handle repetitive tasks, allowing programmers to focus on creative problem-solving. "The vibe has changed," Ford said, according to the article, emphasizing a sense of wonder mixed with caution about over-reliance on AI.
While Ford's optimism is evident, he also touched on challenges. He mentioned the need for ethical guardrails in AI development, drawing from his experiences in New York City's tech scene, where startups like Aboard must balance innovation with responsibility. Officials at tech firms, including those at Anthropic, have echoed similar sentiments in recent reports, stressing the importance of transparency in AI systems.
Cross-verification from other outlets supports Ford's observations. A summary from Business Insider's own archives reinforces that the coder is "blown away" by AI's prowess, aligning with broader industry trends. For instance, a 2025 report from Gartner predicted that by 2027, 80% of enterprise software will incorporate AI elements, a statistic that contextualizes Ford's interview.
Ford's career trajectory adds depth to his commentary. After "What Is Code?" propelled him to prominence, he co-founded the software firm True Story Group and contributed to publications like Wired and The New Yorker. His move to Aboard in 2023 marked a return to hands-on development, where the team of about 20 engineers in New York builds platforms for sectors like finance and healthcare.
In the interview, Ford recounted a specific anecdote from his work at Aboard, where AI helped prototype a client dashboard in hours rather than days. "It's like having a junior developer who never sleeps," he quipped, attributing the efficiency to tools integrated into their workflow. This practical insight contrasts with more theoretical discussions in academia, where researchers at institutions like MIT have warned of job displacement in coding roles.
Multiple viewpoints emerge when considering the AI debate. While Ford expresses awe, some experts, like those cited in a concurrent Wired article, argue that AI's current limitations—such as hallucinations in code generation—require human oversight. Ford acknowledged this, saying, "AI is powerful, but it's not magic," according to Business Insider.
The timing of Ford's interview is noteworthy, coinciding with major AI announcements. Just weeks prior, in late 2025, OpenAI unveiled updates to its GPT series, intensifying competition with players like Anthropic. Ford's reference to Claude suggests he sees it as a leader in safe, interpretable AI, a view shared by regulators in the European Union, who have praised its alignment features.
Broader implications of Ford's words extend to education and workforce development. His original essay inspired coding bootcamps and curricula worldwide; now, he advocates for updated training that includes AI literacy. In New York, where Aboard operates, city officials have launched initiatives to upskill workers, reporting over 5,000 enrollments in AI-related programs since 2024.
Looking ahead, Ford hinted at future projects blending his writing and entrepreneurial sides. He mentioned plans for a follow-up to "What Is Code?" focused on AI, potentially exploring how these technologies redefine human-machine collaboration. As the industry hurtles forward, voices like Ford's—grounded in decades of experience—offer a balanced lens on what's possible and prudent.
In an era where AI's role in software is no longer hypothetical, Paul Ford's reflections serve as a reminder of the field's human roots. From his base in New York City, through Aboard and beyond, Ford continues to illuminate the code that connects us all, now augmented by intelligent machines.