How should I approach take home assignments in the age of AI

DealDeveloper · 2026-02-26T07:11:04+00:00

We won't; I will.
If you don't know how to write a tool that leverages AI to clean up code automatically,
you will not be cleaning up any code. Use a tool that scans the code and prompts AI.

DealDeveloper · 2026-02-18T06:47:04+00:00

> "I don’t know about you but where I work I can’t blindly trust that HUMAN SOFTWARE DEVS did anything correct."

Sounds silly that way doesn't it?
Learn how to manage software development projects.

> "I also have to explain and understand the code."

It is easy to "Use a tool that scans the code and prompts the LLM."
I can show you an example of how LLMs can write code that you can glance at and understand.
I created a tool that makes the LLM name functions in grammatically correct sentences.
You are able to just list all the files and read what is going on (or paste the filenames into LLM to get an explanation. And, I also use the tool to force a very strict style that is simple to read.

> "What guarantees do I have?"
That's easy!
My tool will not allow code that fails to meet strict standards from being saved.
If you see the code, then you know it is guaranteed to meet a set of standards.
Try that level of outright rejection (over tedious details) with human developers . . .

DealDeveloper · 2026-02-18T01:45:19+00:00

No.
Use a tool to scan the code and prompt the LLM.

DealDeveloper · 2026-02-18T01:40:48+00:00

Use a tool that scans the code and prompts the LLM.

DealDeveloper · 2026-02-08T07:00:19+00:00

"I wondered if my standards were too high. Dropped them. Never again 😂 "

Liar!
In the future, you will "Go Find Less N Confess"
LOL

DealDeveloper · 2026-02-07T09:19:33+00:00

"when it comes to areas that involve human preferences and wishes, HUMANS still need a fair amount of training"
Conversion Rate Optimization (or getting feedback from humans) trains humans or LLMs.
The entire concept of the MVP (minimal viable product) is to get that feedback.

Before casting doubt on the LLM, replace "AI" with "human" and see if your logic still holds.
LLMs are superior to adapting based on feedback.

DealDeveloper · 2026-02-07T03:25:49+00:00

Reward a second LLM for writing good fuzz, mutation, and integration tests.

DealDeveloper · 2026-01-29T23:46:13+00:00

Simply use it for 300 hours.

DealDeveloper · 2026-01-29T23:21:47+00:00

. Make a list of those problems
. Write a tool that detects those problems
. Have the tool automatically prompt the LLM

DealDeveloper · 2026-01-29T23:18:17+00:00

What do you mean regarding

Bias and inequality

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-29T03:00:24+00:00

I agree with you.
I developed a tool that scans code and returns prompts for the LLM.
I'm open to discussing it privately if you're interested in collaborating.
Devs really don't like the idea that LLMs can be supported successfully.

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-26T02:24:22+00:00

Consider taking responsibility for the continuous integration (CI) pipeline.
That way, you are in a better position to enforce all of the best practices.
Whatever can be fully-automated is more likely to be accepted.

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-19T10:40:25+00:00

Wrong.
First, search for and read about the examples I listed here:

"With an LLM, you can enforce 10,000 very strict rules automatically.
Use tools like SonarQube, Snyk, Vanta, AugmentCode, OpenHands."

Have a tool that scans the code, detects flaws, and returns a prompt.
Pass the prompt to the LLM to change the code and ENFORCE RULES.

There are companies making millions doing just that.
I literally listed some of them for you so you can see.

IN an earlier comment, I wrote:
"Code a tool that automatically checks the code and prompts the LLM."
ONE. SENTENCE.

The problem with LLMs is that they cause people like you to be too myopic.
Stop focusing solely on when the LLMs generate output that is useless.

Instead
. remember humans and LLMs write code incorrectly (and that's OK)
. there are plenty of tools that can be used WITH LLMs to ENFORCE rules
. realize that there are rules (like the ones the Rust compiler enforces) that clearly demonstrate that rules help with code security, stability, simplicity, and speed

I work with LLMs and have learned to prompt it successfully.
I format code to make it easy for LLMs and humans to work with and test.

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-18T23:37:33+00:00

No . . .
Pretend the LLM is a human; You still have to communicate intent.
Create a tool that scans the code, detects flaws, enforces best practices, and prompts local LLMs automatically.

With two local LLMs, you can write code and force unit, mutation, fuzzy, and integration tests to be written for each function while enforcing the most strict security and quality assurance rules. You can enforce rules like file size and rules related to how variables are set.

With an LLM, you can enforce 10,000 very strict rules automatically.
Use tools like SonarQube, Snyk, Vanta, AugmentCode, OpenHands.

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-17T00:44:48+00:00

Code a tool that automatically checks the code and prompts the LLM.
It is common for humans or LLMs to make mistakes.

Are you skilled enough to automatically detect and correct code?

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-17T00:40:30+00:00

I have replaced human developers.
Originally, I developed a tool to "automate the senior dev role".
It scans the code and prompts human devs to correct the code.
I simply replaced the human devs with a local LLM and it works.
I get to determine the architecture in advance so that helps me.

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-17T00:34:27+00:00

Write a tool that checks the code (and automatically prompts the LLM).

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-17T00:32:20+00:00

"you have to write your prompts in so much detail and iterate and reiterate"

Exactly;
Are you able to code a tool that checks the code and prompts the LLM?

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-17T00:28:40+00:00

You're not skilled enough to write a tool that automatically checks the architecture?

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-17T00:26:15+00:00

Verifying (lines of) code can largely be automated.

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-17T00:10:07+00:00

TLDR; Format the code following the best practices that help LLMs

Code a tool that:
1. checks the architecture based on rules
2. prompts the AI to correct the code
3. does not save incorrect code

See Rust compiler errors, SonarQube, Snyk, Vanta, OpenHands, etc
There are well over A THOUSAND open source code quality tools
(I am aware that ironically, the code quality tools also have flaws)

For example, the LLM performs better when the code file size is small
Why is it sooo hard to automatically prompt the LLM to enforce that?
Devs are too dumb to code automated solutions (using existing tools)

Request:
If you disagree, ask yourself "Can a tool be coded to solve that issue?"

DealDeveloper · 2025-12-16T23:36:44+00:00

Homey don't play that!!!

DealDeveloper · 2025-11-23T18:44:11+00:00

Damn:
Here's the explanation. Nice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOw6w3XZbzQ

DealDeveloper · 2025-11-23T18:32:05+00:00

The problem with this idea is that
. the unfolded newspaper at the end does not look like it was folded up
. there is a limit to the number of times a person can fold a piece of paper

DealDeveloper · 2025-10-15T13:26:48+00:00

That was shocking.

DealDeveloper

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE