Block, the payments company formerly known as Square, has introduced a new AI tool called Builderbot that now handles 15% of the company's code work. Brad Axen, head of AI capabilities at Block, described Builderbot as the "missing layer between AI coding tools and how engineering actually works at scale."
Where Builderbot Fits In
Axen's description highlights a common gap in AI-assisted development. Many tools generate code but don't account for how that code integrates into larger projects, testing pipelines, or deployment processes. Builderbot is built to work within Block's engineering system, understanding the context of existing code and the company's coding standards. It operates alongside human developers, taking on repetitive or boilerplate tasks so engineers can focus on more complex problems.
Measuring the Impact
The 15% figure reflects Builderbot's current share of code output at Block. The company tracks this metric to assess the tool's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Block has not set a specific target for increasing that share, but the tool is expected to take on more sophisticated tasks as it evolves. The percentage represents code generated by Builderbot across various projects, from small functions to larger logic blocks.
Engineers Still in Charge
Builderbot is not replacing developers. Axen emphasized that the tool works alongside human engineers, who review and modify the generated code. The goal is to reduce repetitive work, not to automate entire features. Block's engineering teams remain responsible for the final product and ensure that Builderbot's contributions meet quality standards. The tool is designed to fit into existing workflows rather than disrupt them.
Block has not announced a public release for Builderbot. The tool remains an internal project for now, used by the company's engineering teams to improve productivity and code consistency.
