llms programming developer-tools ai-agents

I don't use LLMs for programming

neilmadden.blog

March 12, 2026

1 min read

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Summary

Explaining concepts to others enhances understanding and clarity in programming. Breaking down complex ideas into simpler components is essential for effective problem-solving.

Key Takeaways

Understanding a concept deeply often requires explaining it to someone else, which enhances personal learning.
The process of breaking down complex ideas into simple steps is fundamental to programming.
The act of learning and the journey of understanding provide greater satisfaction than merely possessing knowledge.
Teaching or programming reinforces certainty and comprehension of a subject more than just learning or writing about it.

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I don't use LLMs for programming ↗

Community discussions

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Analysis ready

Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

Using AI tools like Claude has transformed my workflow, allowing me to cover more ground and rely less on human input, which enhances productivity.
AI can facilitate understanding complex programming problems by asking targeted questions, making the development process more efficient and iterative.
Leveraging AI for tasks like parsing config files allows for precise execution, freeing developers to focus on higher-level problem-solving.

Concerns

The practice of using AI to generate code raises ethical concerns about the lack of attribution for content sourced from the internet.
There is a sentiment that relying on LLMs may diminish the joy of programming, as it shifts focus from learning to merely getting tasks done.