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win311fwg • today at 5:02 PM • 3 replies • view on HN

> Can you describe the last time you asked your compiler how you should best approach an interpersonal problem

Sure. I wrote out specification that described the problem. It compiled that into a description of how to deal with it.

> People aren't just using AI for writing code

Compilers have never been about producing code in particular, though, even if that is where they are most commonly used. A LaTeX compiler, for example, outputs books. To think they are about code exclusively is a grave misunderstanding of what a compiler is.


Replies

gspr • today at 9:23 PM

> Compilers have never been about producing code in particular, though, even if that is where they are most commonly used. A LaTeX compiler, for example, outputs books. To think they are about code exclusively is a grave misunderstanding of what a compiler is.

And what, pray tell, are those books output by TeX? That's right, PDF or PostScript code.

0c3ca83 • today at 5:56 PM

> Sure. I wrote out specification that described the problem.

The LLM usage I see from most people has the LLM write out the specification, asking clarifying questions as needed. If you're using LLMs as you describe, you're using them ineffectively.

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LoganDark • today at 6:51 PM

> Sure. I wrote out specification that described the problem. It compiled that into a description of how to deal with it.

I might just not know enough compilers, but didn't you write the specification of how to approach the problem, not just the problem itself?

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