Here’s a simple reason why “X% of our code is written by AI” doesn’t mean much: I could write 100% of my code with an LLM from three years ago. I would just have to specify everything in painstaking detail, to the point where I’m almost just typing it myself. It certainly wouldn’t mean I’ve become more productive, and if I was an AI developer, it wouldn’t mean I’ve achieved RSI.
Now, percentage of AI-written code is probably somewhat correlated with productivity gains in practice, but AI companies seem to be Goodharting this metric.
Here’s a simple reason why “X% of our code is written by AI” doesn’t mean much: I could write 100% of my code with an LLM from three years ago. I would just have to specify everything in painstaking detail, to the point where I’m almost just typing it myself. It certainly wouldn’t mean I’ve become more productive, and if I was an AI developer, it wouldn’t mean I’ve achieved RSI.
Now, percentage of AI-written code is probably somewhat correlated with productivity gains in practice, but AI companies seem to be Goodharting this metric.