The reason AI agents shouldn’t touch your source code — and what they should do instead
Summary
Dynatrace is evolving its observability platform, integrating agentic AI for autonomous operations. In a recent interview, Chief Technology Strategist Alois Reitbauer discusses the role of feature flags as safety mechanisms, ensuring AI operates within safe parameters.
Key Insights
Why shouldn't AI agents directly modify source code?
AI agents should not touch source code because it risks introducing errors, inconsistencies, or security vulnerabilities in production systems without proper human oversight. Instead, they should use feature flags as safety mechanisms to toggle changes safely within predefined parameters, enabling controlled and reversible operations.
Sources:
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What are feature flags in the context of AI agents?
Feature flags are configuration mechanisms that allow AI agents to activate or deactivate specific functionalities dynamically without altering source code. They act as guardrails, ensuring AI operates within safe, tested boundaries and enabling quick rollbacks if issues arise.
Sources:
[1]