Slack introduces 'Code channels' for AI-assisted software development collaboration

Introducing Slack Code Channels

Slack has unveiled "Code channels," a new feature aimed at transforming how software development is conducted within its platform. These channels are specifically built to facilitate collaboration between human teams and AI coding agents, making AI development a multiplayer activity.

The design of Code channels emphasizes open work, ensuring that context and knowledge are easily shared among team members and AI agents. This approach is intended to scale for agent-driven work in ways that traditional threads and public channels cannot, by focusing on output that includes working code, prototypes, and documents directly within Slack.

AI-Assisted Development Workflow

With Slack Code, users can initiate a task, such as building a new feature or fixing a bug, by tagging a coding agent like Claude Tag or ChatGPT. The agent then spins up a dedicated code channel for the task.

Within these channels, all participants can monitor conversations, review code differences, check live previews, provide feedback, and approve work before deployment. This integrated workflow eliminates the need for external specialized tools, keeping the entire development process within Slack.

Broadening Access to Software Development

Slack Code aims to bring AI development directly into Slack, fundamentally changing how teams build and work. These code channels are the first dedicated space in Slack for collaborative software development involving both people and AI agents.

The feature is designed to be inherently multiplayer and accessible, allowing developers, product managers, designers, and non-technical teammates to work alongside AI agents in a shared workspace. This integration intends to make software building, from conception to shipping, accessible beyond just engineers.