🌊 Mapping the Evolution of AI in Software Development

Understanding where we've been, where we are, and where Symphony is taking us

🎯 Understanding the Waves

The evolution of AI in software development doesn't happen in sudden leaps—it flows in waves. Each wave represents a fundamental shift in how AI relates to human developers, moving from simple automation toward true collaboration, and potentially beyond.

Understanding these waves helps us recognize not just where current tools fit, but why Symphony represents such a significant paradigm shift.

🌊 Wave 1: The Automation Surface

📅 Era: 2010s - Early AI Tools

🎭 AI Role: Rigid Executor

👤 Human Role: Complete Decision Maker

🔧 Characteristics

Wave 1 AI lived entirely on the surface level—automating repetitive tasks but never understanding context or reasoning. These systems could execute predefined routines but had no grasp of the why behind their actions.

⚙️ Core Traits:

• Rule-based logic - If this, then that
• Narrow scope - Single-purpose tools
• Reactive behavior - Responds only to explicit commands
• Zero context awareness - Each interaction starts from scratch

🛠️ Examples:

• Simple build automation scripts
• Basic code formatters