3 ms·

What he misses is that it's much easier to change the spec than the code. And if the cost of regenerating the code is low enough, then the code is not worth ta

What he misses is that it's much easier to change the spec than the code. And if the cost of regenerating the code is low enough, then the code is not worth talking about.

deleted 8mo ago
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mwarkentin 8mo ago
Is it? If the spec is as detailed as the code would be? If you make a change to one part of the spec do you now have inconsistencies that the LLM is going to have to resolve in some way? Are we going to have a compiler, or type checker type tools for the spec to catch these errors sooner?
- CamperBob2 8mo ago
  It IS a compiler. You might as well ask if the machine-language output of a C compiler is as detailed as the C code was. To anticipate your objection: you can get over determinism now, or you can get over it later. You will get over it, though, if you intend to stay in this business.
  - discreteevent 8mo ago
    > It IS a compiler. What are you talking about? If an LLM is a compiler, then I'm a compiler. Are we going to redefine the meaning of words in order not to upset the LLM makers?
    - reverius42 8mo ago
      Originally, the word "computer" referred to a human being. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_(occupation) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_(occupation) Over time, when digital computers became commonplace, the computing moved from the person to the machine. At this time, arguably the humans doing the programming of the machine were doing the work we now ask of a "compiler". So yes, an LLM can be a compiler in some sense (from a high level abstract language into a programming language), and you too can be a compiler! But currently it's probably a good use of the LLM's time and probably not a good use of yours.
      - jason_oster 8mo ago
        I don't know, having done a lot of completely pointless time-wasting staring at hex dumps and assembly language in my youth was a pretty darned good lesson. I say it's a worthwhile hobby to be a compiler. But your point stands. There is a period beyond which doing more than learning the fundamentals just becomes toil.

What he misses is that it's much easier to change the spec than the code. And if the cost of regenerating the code is low enough, then the code is not worth talking about.

deleted 8mo ago

[deleted]

mwarkentin 8mo ago

Is it? If the spec is as detailed as the code would be? If you make a change to one part of the spec do you now have inconsistencies that the LLM is going to have to resolve in some way? Are we going to have a compiler, or type checker type tools for the spec to catch these errors sooner?

CamperBob2 8mo ago
It IS a compiler. You might as well ask if the machine-language output of a C compiler is as detailed as the C code was. To anticipate your objection: you can get over determinism now, or you can get over it later. You will get over it, though, if you intend to stay in this business.
- discreteevent 8mo ago
  > It IS a compiler. What are you talking about? If an LLM is a compiler, then I'm a compiler. Are we going to redefine the meaning of words in order not to upset the LLM makers?
  - reverius42 8mo ago
    Originally, the word "computer" referred to a human being. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_(occupation) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_(occupation) Over time, when digital computers became commonplace, the computing moved from the person to the machine. At this time, arguably the humans doing the programming of the machine were doing the work we now ask of a "compiler". So yes, an LLM can be a compiler in some sense (from a high level abstract language into a programming language), and you too can be a compiler! But currently it's probably a good use of the LLM's time and probably not a good use of yours.
    - jason_oster 8mo ago
      I don't know, having done a lot of completely pointless time-wasting staring at hex dumps and assembly language in my youth was a pretty darned good lesson. I say it's a worthwhile hobby to be a compiler. But your point stands. There is a period beyond which doing more than learning the fundamentals just becomes toil.