Codex is a Slytherin, Claude is a Hufflepuff (bits.logic.inc)

A light-hearted comparison of AI coding agents using the Advent of Code problems has resulted in fascinating insights into their "personalities." Codex was humorously assigned the Slytherin house due to its efficiency—completing challenges with minimal code and no comments—while Claude, dubbed a Hufflepuff, focused on thoroughness, producing robust but lengthier solutions with numerous annotations. The analysis revealed that Codex and Gemini demonstrated similarities in lines of code and complexity, but their styles diverged; Gemini was more verbose with comments, reflecting a characteristic Gryffindor nature, while Claude's methodical approach showcased an Over-Engineer tendency. Mistral, the only agent to universally apply classes, was classified as a Ravenclaw, prioritizing theoretical frameworks. This playful assessment underscores the inherent differences among AI coding agents, highlighting how their approaches to problem-solving can be classified into archetypes like Pragmatists and Wizards. Importantly, the agents exhibited distinct coding "personalities" that can shift depending on the scaffolding used; for instance, Claude appeared as a Ravenclaw when interfaced with a different tool. This exercise not only entertains but also encourages the AI/ML community to consider the implications of model design on coding efficiency and clarity, illustrating that the “agent” encompasses more than just the underlying model.