The Limitations and Capabilities of LLMs in Coding

Key Points:

• Capabilities: Generating boilerplate code, writing simple functions, translating code between languages, suggesting syntax, refactoring small code blocks, writing initial drafts of tests, explaining code snippets.
• Limitations: Difficulty with complex algorithms, making architectural decisions, understanding the nuances of large, unfamiliar codebases, guaranteeing functional correctness or security, creative problem-solving beyond training patterns, handling ambiguous or incomplete specifications effectively without human clarification.
• The problem of “hallucination” – generating plausible-looking but incorrect or non-existent code/APIs.
• The critical and irreplaceable need for human oversight, review, and domain expertise.
• Callout (Inline Misconception): “Common Misconception: LLMs can replace architects or senior engineers. They are tools that augment, not replace, human expertise.”