Thread

1. Schnitz · 1785984517 · focus · HN ↗

   Because people that enjoy programming for programming's sake don't want an LLM to do the programming for them - isn't it obvious? It's just like with any other hobby, people who like car racing created rules that force you to drive yourself, even though they'd get faster lap times with electronic driver aids. People who enjoy grappling created rules that force you to grapple, even though striking could win a fight faster. People that enjoy chess don't allow you to bring a computer to the chess table. The list is endless and the people that enjoy programming will create rules that force you to program, why shouldn't they? It's their hobby.

   1. brookst · 1785992005 · focus · HN ↗

      This is true, but as usual nobody can agree on what "doing it yourself" means.

      Few cars are manual steering, manual brakes, manual transmission.

      Few grappling bodies go all Greek-naked.

      Few chess bodies forbid researching previous games or your opponent.

      The list is indeed endless, and every single person thinks they are using just the right amount of assistance; anything less is pointlessly difficult, anything more is cheating that takes the sport out.

      Me, I've been a hobbyist programmer since youth (6502 assembly, represent). I'm having a blast "writing" software without touching a line of code. Sure, I'm old, and maybe I'm like those guys blasting Veyrons through highways, relying on traction control and all the computers to let me drive beyond my abilities. And... ok? I'm having fun, even if I'm not doing it right, by random anonymous peoples' views.

      1. TeriyakiBomb · 1786001612 · focus · HN ↗

         But LLM usage isn’t equivalent to power steering, it’s what a full kitchen is to a microwave. You can sure put effort into a microwave meal but it’ll always work against you and much of the time you’re better off just picking up a pan.

         Not to diminish your enjoyment, you’re completely entitled to it, I just think this is a bit of a false equivalence

         1. danielbln · 1786007745 · focus · HN ↗

            An LLM is more akin to a staffed pro kitchen than a microwave.

            1. TeriyakiBomb · 1786009939 · focus · HN ↗

               Agents are effectively a full McDonalds kitchen, yes.

               ...and yes, I know you don't mean that. I just disagree.

               1. dosisking · 1786030731 · focus · HN ↗

                  > Agents are effectively a full McDonalds kitchen, yes.

                  You just insulted everybody that works at McDonalds.

                  1. TeriyakiBomb · 1786039085 · focus · HN ↗

                     You’re right. I apologise

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