Vibe Coding at the End of 2023 (antirez.com)

In the latter part of 2023, a programmer reflects on their experiences with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, emphasizing how these tools have significantly transformed their coding process. Rather than just replacing traditional coding, LLMs are leveraged to enhance productivity, allowing developers to bypass the tedious aspects of programming such as searching for documentation and learning convoluted APIs. The programmer highlights that while they can write code independently, LLMs serve as valuable resources for accelerating the development of more straightforward or disposable programs, thereby streamlining workflows. The significance of this development lies in the dual-edged nature of LLMs; while they boast extensive coding knowledge and can generate usable code snippets quickly, they also demonstrate limitations in complex reasoning and often produce inaccurate outputs. This situation places LLMs in a unique position within the AI/ML community: they act as "stupid savants," aiding competent programmers who can discern correct solutions but may not benefit novices as much. As programming becomes increasingly complex, the ability of LLMs to assist experienced developers could redefine coding practices, allowing them to tackle more challenging tasks and efficiently manage routine coding operations without being bogged down by minutiae.