There are multiple dimensions of software quality, and by some metrics (such as performance efficiency) things are notably getting worse. Some would also argue

There are multiple dimensions of software quality, and by some metrics (such as performance efficiency) things are notably getting worse. Some would also argue that fewer features (such as those IRC chat commands) takes power away from the power users, a sentiment I have held. Though I agree that at an overall level, the quality has improved. The incentives to write software may have shifted over time as well. I seem to recall a lot of good quality, older software being written as a passion project. While those still exist and are being written today, the stuff that gets shown to you in a google search (usually) isn't that. Takes away the incentive to build anything that isn't backed by an investor looking for quick returns.