In the rapidly evolving landscape of software development, leveraging large language models (LLMs) has become a game-changer for coding professionals. Simon Willison explores how these advanced models can significantly boost productivity and assist with both routine and complex programming tasks. By setting the right expectations and understanding the nuances of interacting with LLMs, developers can harness their power to accelerate code development while maintaining high-quality outputs.
Here’s how I use LLMs to help me write code
In his blog post ‘Here’s how I use LLMs to help me write code’, Simon Willison shares his experiences and strategies using large language models (LLMs) to assist in coding. He emphasizes that while LLMs can significantly enhance code development speed and assist in performing mundane or complex tasks, they require skill and experience to be used effectively. Willison provides detailed guidance on setting expectations, managing context, and testing the output from LLMs, highlighting the conversational nature of interacting with these models.
Key Points
- LLMs should be used as tools to augment coding skills rather than replace them completely; they are compared to overconfident pair programming assistants.
- Understanding the context and training cut-off dates of LLMs is critical to maximizing their effectiveness and avoiding potential misguidance.
- The biggest advantage LLMs offer is the speed of development, allowing the execution of projects that might not otherwise be attempted due to time constraints.
Action Items
- Set realistic expectations when using LLMs, viewing them as tools to assist rather than solve all coding problems autonomously.
- Familiarize yourself with the context manipulation and training data cut-off of the LLMs you use, to ensure you provide them with the right information and prompts.
- Experiment with ‘vibe-coding’ to explore the potential of LLMs further, learning through playful engagement and iterative experimentation.
The School Car Pickup Line Is a National Embarrassment
The article discusses the problematic nature of school car pickup lines in the United States, emphasizing their inefficiency and the adverse effects this practice has on children’s independence. The author analyzes the historical shift in how students commute to school, with a decreasing number of students using school buses or walking, and an increasing reliance on private vehicle transportation. The piece also highlights the urban planning and safety issues that contribute to this trend, along with exploring alternatives like biking and community solutions to address the problem.
Key Points
- School car pickup lines have become a significant inefficiency in American schooling, with more students being driven to school than ever before.
- The decline in school bus usage and walking/biking to school is due to urban sprawl, lack of infrastructure, and cultural shifts towards greater parental control.
- To mitigate this issue, communities must invest in safe, bike-friendly infrastructure and consider collective solutions like Bike Buses to promote independence and efficiency.
Action Items
- Advocate for local government investment in safe biking and walking infrastructure to encourage alternative commuting methods.
- Participate or organize a community Bike Bus to foster collaboration and promote safety for children commuting to school.
- Encourage dialogue on parenting practices to build awareness about the benefits of giving children more independence in commuting and daily activities.
How it works
Briar is a highly secure messaging app designed to maintain privacy and resist censorship and surveillance. It operates without relying on a central server, using direct encrypted connections between users and leveraging the Tor network when online. Even during internet blackouts, Briar can sync via Bluetooth, WiFi, or memory cards. It offers features like private messaging, public forums, and blogs, and is specifically designed for situations facing surveillance or restricted communication, such as for activists or in crisis situations.
Key Points
- Briar allows secure communication without a central server, reducing the risk of surveillance and censorship.
- The app operates over Tor when the internet is available, and can sync via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi during blackouts.
- Briar supports private messaging, public forums, and blogs using encrypted data to prevent tampering or censorship attempts.
Action Items
- Explore and use Briar to enhance secure communication personally or in professional settings where privacy is a concern.
- Familiarize yourself with Briar’s operation through its quick start guide and manual to fully utilize its features for secure messaging.
- Consider integrating Briar into crisis communication strategies or areas of your work to ensure information flow remains uninterrupted during internet outages or censorship.
Career advice in 2025.
The current job market and technology landscape have shifted significantly, affecting career dynamics for software professionals. The complexity of adopting foundational models and the changing expectations for senior roles coupled with reduced valuations and funding for non-AI companies, are creating a challenging environment for individuals seeking career fulfillment and advancement. Leaders and professionals from the 2010-2020 era are struggling to adapt to the new skill demands and market conditions.
Key Points
- The transition to foundational models and LLMs is invalidating many previously successful strategies of senior leaders, demanding new approaches and skills.
- Current market conditions are less favorable for non-AI companies, leading to fewer promotions, hiring freezes, and unpredictable funding, especially for those not in the AI sector.
- Career advancement and satisfaction are increasingly difficult due to a saturated job market and different priority sets for senior roles compared to the past decade.
Action Items
- Enhance your skills in foundational models and LLMs to remain competitive in the evolving technology landscape.
- Stay adaptable and open to changes in job roles and expectations, focusing on continuous learning and development.
- Proactively find ways to make your current role more rewarding, even if it means redefining your criteria for career satisfaction.