Why Write Code If LLMs Can Do It? Exploring Web App Experiments

The Case for Manual Coding

Coding by hand is crucial for deep learning and skill enhancement. Here's why it's still relevant:

• Problem-Solving Skills: It teaches developers to tackle and solve challenges efficiently.
• Code Optimization: Developers can craft optimized code that meets specific project requirements.
• Collaboration: Knowing the ins and outs of your code improves team collaboration and communication.

Web App Experiment: Manual vs. LLM Coding

I tested the effectiveness of manual coding against LLM-generated code by building a simple task manager app using Next.js and React.

Experiment Overview

• Framework: Next.js (for server-side rendering)
• UI Library: React (for UI development)
• LLM Tool: ChatGPT (for code snippets)

Experiment Steps

1. Define Requirements: I listed the essential features for the task manager.
2. LLM Code Generation: ChatGPT produced components and API routes.
3. Manual Coding: I wrote the same components and routes, focusing on best practices.

Findings

• Time Efficiency: LLMs were faster, generating code in under 10 minutes, while manual coding took about 30 minutes.
• Code Quality: Manual coding resulted in optimized, readable code with better error handling.
• Debugging: Fixing issues in LLM-generated code required significant manual effort.

Insights from the Experiment

The experiment teaches us:

• LLMs can speed up coding but might introduce errors or inefficiencies.
• Manual coding ensures quality and deep understanding, crucial for success.
• Combining LLMs for routine tasks with manual coding for complex projects could be the best strategy.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Mix of LLMs and Manual Coding

As LLMs evolve, they'll play a bigger role in software development. Yet, manual coding's benefits—creativity, problem-solving, and code quality—are irreplaceable. Balancing LLM use with strong coding practices lets developers excel and adapt to the future of tech.

In essence, while LLMs offer powerful development tools, they should enhance, not replace, the craft of manual coding. Understanding both approaches allows developers to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.