Stop Generating, Start Thinking

3 months ago

The author expresses discomfort with the increasing reliance on LLM-generated code, fearing it may lead to a decline in coding skills and accountability.
They compare LLM-generated code to fast fashion—initially appealing but ultimately low-quality and environmentally harmful.
The author critiques the notion that LLMs are just another layer of abstraction, arguing they lack the ability to reason about system architecture or maintainability.
Concerns are raised about the non-deterministic and opaque nature of LLM outputs, which can include hallucinations and errors.
The author highlights the dangers of outsourcing critical thinking in software development, citing the Horizon scandal as a cautionary tale.
They argue that human-written code, while flawed, is preferable to LLM-generated code, which perpetuates and amplifies existing mistakes.
The importance of code reviews for shared understanding and accountability is emphasized, with warnings about the risks of LLM-generated PRs.
The author clarifies they are not anti-LLM but anti-hype, advocating for responsible use where humans remain in the loop.
They encourage developers to focus on understanding and enjoying the craft of coding rather than outsourcing it to LLMs.

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