The Reality of AI Coding: Embracing the Comedy of Errors

In recent days, I’ve embarked on a rather enlightening and bewildering adventure with two AI platforms—ChatGPT and CLAUDE. My initial intention was straightforward; I wanted to expedite the process of creating graphic files for Substack. At first, I even thought about relying on PowerPoint. However, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to put these AI tools to the test in what I fondly dubbed an “AI coding experiment.”

What I anticipated would be a minor time-saver quickly devolved into an unexpected labyrinth of complications. What should have been a straightforward task now felt like battling a relentless game of whack-a-mole. Every time I would address one issue, a new, more convoluted problem would rear its head. I won’t bore you with the intricate details of my struggle, but suffice it to say that the experience was nothing short of chaotic. My top descriptor for this saga? Let’s just say “cluster….” is a fitting choice. After several days of frustration, I finally produced a polished PowerPoint presentation in just over three hours—a task that the AI should have simplified, yet instead complicated.

In reflecting on my experience, it’s clear that current AI systems resemble novice coders fresh from boot camp; they promise much but deliver little in terms of reliability and efficiency. While it’s true that these technologies are on the path to enhancement through methods like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) and RLHF-AI, we are still at the beginning of this journey. Human input will undoubtedly play a vital role in crafting more sophisticated coding AIs moving forward.

So, if you find yourself caught up in existential worries about the future of AI and its potential to outpace human capabilities, it might be time to take a step back. Much of the apprehension surrounding AI seems more like fear-mongering from opportunistic influencers rather than based in reality. Instead of dwelling in anxiety, consider pouring yourself a glass of Scotch, taking a couple of aspirin, and perhaps even enjoying some cannabis. The world of AI can be quite humorous—and remembering that can make all the difference.