Go With the Jets: Why Now Is the Time to Embrace AI-Native Software Development

I recently asked our team a simple question: “Is there anyone here who uses Cursor, possibly integrated with Replit, for daily work tasks?” One of our best engineers responded with refreshing honesty:

“We’ve tried Cursor and tools like Windsurf. They’re impressive for independent tasks, like creating a new component. But the subscription plans limit usage, and for full-time developers, you need to pay two or three times. More importantly, there’s a question of the quality and ownership of the code.”

That got me thinking.

1. Cost is Not the Barrier

Let’s be clear: If tools like Cursor or Windsurf can truly boost productivity, cost should not be the limiting factor.

For our venture building companies — like DreamClass — we’ll gladly cover the full cost. I’m confident the same mindset applies at Yodeck and Epignosis.

Productivity matters. Let’s not be frugal with tools that can change the game.

2. Quality of Code: Not Perfect, But Good Enough (and Getting Better Fast)

No, AI-generated code isn’t perfect. But it’s already good enough for many use cases — especially isolated or greenfield components — and it’s improving fast.

This is where vision matters. We’re not chasing perfection. We’re catching a wave.

3. Maintainability: Let’s Learn from the Past

Back in the 1960s, seasoned assembly programmers were introduced to a new tool: the compiler. Many were skeptical.

“But will I be able to maintain the code it generates?”

History’s answer?

“You won’t have to.”

We’re facing a similar paradigm shift today. Cursor, Windsurf, and Replit are our natural language compilers. We need to trust them — just as early programmers eventually trusted compilers.

4. The Jet Engine Analogy

At the end of WWII, engineers were developing phenomenal piston-engine fighter prototypes. These were technical marvels — the pinnacle of decades of innovation.

But none of them entered production. Why? Because the jet era had already begun.

Don’t stick with the piston engine. Go with the jets.

Let’s not miss the next era of software development.

5. Build the Future, One Guerrilla Team at a Time

Now is the time to embrace change.

Read. Experiment. Repeat. Learn.

We’re entering an era where a few individuals can create immense impact. Let’s explore it.

For mature products with hundreds or thousands of paying customers (like DreamClass, TalentLMS, or Yodeck), consider setting up independent, guerrilla-style teams to experiment with AI-native software development tools. Let them build new modules or features using Cursor, Windsurf, or Replit.

Let them prove what’s possible.