Replit CEO says AI boosts software engineering productivity

Replit CEO Amjad Masad says his company’s office has become "more vibrant" since software engineers started using AI tools to write code together in real time, a practice known as “vibe coding.”

Masad told Business Insider that engineers at Replit, which makes an AI-powered coding platform, now collaborate more openly, fix bugs faster, and experiment without fear of breaking things. The shift reflects a broader change in how software is built: AI handles repetitive tasks like syntax and boilerplate, freeing humans to focus on design, creativity, and solving real-world problems. Replit’s tools, including an AI coding assistant and a shared editor, let teams work simultaneously, almost like musicians jamming together. Masad calls this “the most human way to build software” because it prioritizes intuition and teamwork over rigid processes.

The trend has grown as AI coding tools have improved dramatically over the past two years. GitHub’s Copilot, Amazon’s CodeWhisperer, and Replit’s own Ghostwriter now suggest entire functions, debug errors, and even explain code in plain language. These tools are now embedded in daily workflows, not just used occasionally. At Replit, engineers pair AI-generated suggestions with human judgment, leading to faster iteration and fewer meetings. Masad says this reduces the “drudgery” of coding and lets engineers connect more deeply with the problems they’re solving. Critics argue AI could deskill developers or reduce job opportunities, but Masad counters that it’s raising the bar—demanding stronger problem-solving skills, not just typing.

Now, Replit is pushing the idea further by integrating AI into education. Its Learn & Code platform uses AI to guide students through projects step-by-step, simulating mentorship. Masad sees this as the future: software engineering isn’t going away, but it’s becoming more accessible, collaborative, and human-centered. As AI takes over the mechanical parts of coding, the role of engineers is shifting toward empathy, design, and impact. That means teams that embrace this balance could build better software—and faster. The real question now isn’t whether AI will replace coders, but how deeply it will reshape what it means to create.