Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Introduction
In the tech world, the “Build vs. Buy” decision is a crucial crossroads for many startups and established companies alike. But as generative AI (GenAI) technologies like ChatGPT become more integral to our workflows, they’re shaking up these age-old debates. Today, let’s dive into how GenAI is not only transforming what it means to build tech products but also redefining the roles within engineering teams.
1. The Shifting Landscape of App Development
Gone are the days when you needed a dedicated iOS engineer and an Android specialist to launch a cross-platform app. My recent adventure into iOS app development—armed with no prior experience in Xcode—illustrates this shift perfectly. Using ChatGPT, I managed to piece together a functional app for a family reunion in just two days. This experience suggests a future where a single generalist engineer, equipped with strong architecture skills and a knack for leveraging AI, can replace entire teams of specialized developers.
2. Personal Journey: Building an iOS App with No Prior Experience
The project was straightforward: create an app with features like polls, photo storage, and an event calendar. Starting from scratch, I relied heavily on ChatGPT to guide me through setting up my environment and building out functionalities, one step at a time. The AI was like a co-pilot, helping me navigate the unfamiliar territory of mobile app development efficiently, turning what could have been a month-long project into a weekend sprint.
3. Accelerating Market Validation
This streamlined approach to development is not just about cutting costs—it’s about speed. In today’s fast-paced market, the ability to move quickly from concept to product is invaluable. Imagine a small team consisting of a senior engineer, a designer, and a product manager. Together, they can prototype and validate a new app almost as quickly as they can draw it up on a whiteboard. This is the real power of GenAI in action.
4. Reevaluating the Build vs. Buy Decision
For startups operating on tight budgets, GenAI tools like ChatGPT offer a compelling alternative to expensive third-party solutions. These tools empower small teams to emulate and even enhance features of costlier software, allowing them to keep development in-house and maintain a lean operation. While it’s not always the answer, GenAI opens up new, cost-effective paths for product development.
5. The Rise of the GenAI-Savvy Senior Engineer
The engineers who will thrive in this new era are those I like to call “super coders.” These individuals boast deep foundational knowledge in software engineering complemented by a mastery of GenAI tools. They are the new rockstars of tech, capable of rapid prototyping and cross-platform development without years of specialized experience.
Conclusion
As GenAI continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly redefine the traditional build vs. buy scenarios, urging us to reconsider how we structure our teams and approach product development. For those eager to stay ahead of the curve and harness the full potential of AI in their projects, embracing these tools is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
Interested in exploring how GenAI can revolutionize your product development process or need an experienced part-time CTO to guide your engineering team? Contact me to discuss how we can innovate together.