AI coding agents have dramatically shortened the distance between an idea and working software. They can inspect a project, create files, run commands, write tests, and help diagnose failures.
What they have not eliminated is judgment.
A polished screen is not proof that data survives a reload. A passing unit test is not proof that keyboard users can complete the core task. A successful deployment is not proof that the intended commit reached production.
This is why I use proof gates: observable conditions that must be satisfied before a product claim becomes stronger.
A proof gate is not a meeting, a long document, or an excuse to slow down. It is a compact question:
