This is the word of the day - cool, controversial, embarassing and soon to be outdated. Very 70's. Very Hitchhikery. But let's not take that against the concept. It has it's place, and it is certainly the case that it will be discussed and explored a great deal these coming months and years.
In software circles, the term code smell describes the instinctive recognition that something in a codebase suggests deeper problems. This sensitivity is often regarded as an advanced form of vibe coding, a skill rooted in experience and intuition rather than strict methodology.
As AI and Augmented Intelligence continue to advance, the nature of software work is shifting. Autonomous agents and coding assistants are becoming increasingly capable at handling the mechanics of writing code, which places new emphasis on the uniquely human role of guiding design and architecture.
Developers are asked to capture intent clearly, to shape coherent design approaches, and to remain aware of systemic risks and the emergent behaviors that arise within complex systems. Over years of practice, an experienced practitioner develops an instinctive understanding of the health, strengths, and weaknesses of a particular solution.
In this new environment, the human developer becomes less of a direct coder and more of a manager, mentor, or even caretaker of intelligent agents. The crucial skill lies not only in giving instructions, but in sensing the vibe of the process itself, reading the room when the room is filled with robots. This instinctive awareness complements the precision of algorithms and ensures that technology evolves responsibly, coherently, and in tune with human values.
# See - Code Smell and Demoscene