Managing Unreliable Compilers
8 days ago
- #LLMs
- #software-development
- #management
- Software development is not ending; developers are still needed for complex domains requiring human judgment.
- LLMs and coding agents are unreliable compilers, making logical and judgment errors unlike traditional compilers.
- Developers must learn to manage unreliable compilers by specifying, delegating, and verifying work efficiently.
- First-time managers often under-delegate (micromanaging) or over-delegate (hands-off), both leading to inefficiencies.
- A clear protocol with sparse but effective supervision is key to managing delegation.
- Development follows a plan → code → verify model, with human judgment concentrated at planning and verification stages.
- Developers must shift focus from coding to planning and verification, adopting a 'barbell-shaped' role.
- Tonkotsu provides tools for planning and verification, helping developers scale their work without micromanaging.