Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
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Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
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Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#2Frustrated with the generated code slop being heralded by tech social media as the next "coming" for developers, I've written a piece on my frustrations with "vibe coding" and what steps beginners in tech should take in a world of AI-assisted software development.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#3Experienced senior developers can spot and fix the slop instantly, while still getting a 30x productivity gain, while entry level or junior devs basically only have one "Filter" by which they determine code quality which is: "Does the code seem to work?".
Unfortunately "Slop" will appear to work enough of the time to fool a Junior.
Also the reason Junior devs get "slop" is because their prompts are "slop". They don't know all the right terminologies for things, nor do they even have the writing/language skills necessary for good prompting.
EDIT: Due to everyone checking my math I corrected this to 30x, as what's provable, from past experience.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#4Appreciate this. But.
Do whatever you want. That’s an option too.
Make a dumb thing, take your hands off the wheel, have fun. It’s your computer.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#5Experienced senior developers can spot and fix the slop instantly, while still getting a 30x productivity gain, while entry level or junior devs basically only have one "Filter" by which they determine code quality which is: "Does the code seem to work?". Unfortunately "Slop" will appear to work enough of the time to fool a Junior. Also the reason Junior devs get "slop" is because their prompts are "slop". They don't…
Whenever I can't just sit down and bash out code, it's because the design is wrong. These models are bad at design. I don't see where your 30×–50× could possibly come from.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#6Appreciate this. But. Do whatever you want. That’s an option too. Make a dumb thing, take your hands off the wheel, have fun. It’s your computer.
The problem experienced folks are worried about is not concerning what kids do in their basement with the ‘puter they got for Christmas.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#7Appreciate this. But. Do whatever you want. That’s an option too. Make a dumb thing, take your hands off the wheel, have fun. It’s your computer.
that’s clearly not the danger. make a dumb thing that takes user input (including PII or maybe other protected data), then put it online and charge people to use it without vetting it for security? No, let’s not encourage that.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#8Appreciate this. But. Do whatever you want. That’s an option too. Make a dumb thing, take your hands off the wheel, have fun. It’s your computer.
Unfortunately, no, not when you are dealing with user data. You don't own that and you don't deserve to be reckless with it just because you're paying for the hardware and bandwidth.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#9Experienced senior developers can spot and fix the slop instantly, while still getting a 30x productivity gain, while entry level or junior devs basically only have one "Filter" by which they determine code quality which is: "Does the code seem to work?". Unfortunately "Slop" will appear to work enough of the time to fool a Junior. Also the reason Junior devs get "slop" is because their prompts are "slop". They don't…
I've worked with some pretty smart people in my career and I've never met anyone who could do "instant" code review.
Re: Use AI code tools as collaborators, not crutches
#10Nice vibe writing.