AI-assisted coding tools have simplified the creation of prototypes, yet transforming those prototypes into dependable, production-level systems still poses significant challenges. Large language models often display non-deterministic behavior, can drift in performance, and may lose focus during extended development periods.
Kiro is an AI-powered IDE designed around a spec-driven development process. It helps developers define intent from the start, convert it into specific requirements and designs, and methodically validate implementations through tasks, testing, and safeguards. The aim is to maintain the creative aspect of AI-assisted development while ensuring the software is ready for practical use.
David Yanacek, a Senior Principal Engineer and lead advisor on the Agentic AI team at AWS, currently concentrates on Kiro, frontier agents, Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, and AWS’s operational agents. He and Kevin Ball discuss the design of Kiro, how spec-driven development alters the interaction with AI coding agents, and the future of agentic software development.
Kevin Ball, or KBall, is the VP of engineering at Mento and a coach for engineers and engineering leaders. He has co-founded and served as CTO for two companies, founded the San Diego JavaScript meetup, and organizes the AI inaction discussion group through Latent Space.
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