Write code, not specs
TLDR Dev ● Covered by 5 sources
A developer argues that when using AI coding agents, writing code directly rather than detailed specifications leads to better maintainability and quality control. The approach involves establishing patterns through manual coding, then gradually expanding what the agent handles while maintaining human oversight through tests and code review. This method preserves developer understanding of the system and prevents the brittleness that comes from trying to maintain both specs and code.
Why it matters
Good code should be self-documenting, allowing for an understanding of its functionality without extensive specifications. Instead of maintaining both code and specifications, focusing on writing code that establishes patterns and relying on tests to validate functionality allows for greater trust and efficiency in development.