How I write software with LLMs

stavros.io
March 16, 2026
36 min read
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68/100
Summary
LLMs have significantly enhanced the software development process, enabling faster and more efficient creation of projects. The integration of LLMs into programming fosters innovation and exploration in software development.
Key Takeaways
- LLMs have enabled the author to write software with a significantly lower defect rate compared to hand-written code, allowing for weeks of continuous development on projects.
- The author's engineering skills have shifted from writing code to focusing on system architecture and making effective design choices.
- The author has successfully built several real, maintained projects using LLMs, including a personal assistant called Stavrobot that emphasizes security.
- The effectiveness of LLMs can vary greatly based on how users interact with them, suggesting that communication style influences the results.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · stavros.io
Community discussions
Hacker News discussion ↗
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Analysis ready
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The breakdown of using LLMs in development provides valuable insights, showcasing innovative approaches that can inspire others in the community.
- The author's method of employing multiple reviewers enhances the safety and reliability of the code generated by LLMs, which is crucial for maintaining quality.
Concerns
- Concerns arise about the ability of LLMs to architect full systems effectively, raising questions about their long-term utility in software development.
- Relying on LLMs for code generation without a deep understanding of system architecture may lead to significant gaps in knowledge and oversight.




