There's no reason for software to be slow anymore (danluu.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how advancements in AI and large language models (LLMs) have made it possible to optimize software performance with minimal human effort, allowing for dynamic custom software tailored to specific workloads. The author provides examples of how LLMs can be used to optimize regex engines and game AIs, achieving significant performance improvements. The article also touches on the idea that the cost of optimizations has decreased dramatically, making it more feasible to invest in performance improvements. As a result, the author believes that there is no reason for software to be slow anymore.

Main themes

• Software optimization
• AI and LLMs
• Performance vs features
• RAM scarcity
• Programming languages and frameworks
• Big tech and venture capital influence
• User experience and usability

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that software is getting slower and less user-friendly due to the prioritization of features over performance and the influence of big tech and venture capital.
• Others believe that the scarcity of RAM will drive the development of more performant software.
• A few commenters think that the use of AI and LLMs will contribute to removing the tedium surrounding optimization and lead to faster software.
• Some argue that the focus on experimentation and new features will always lead to a trade-off with performance, resulting in slightly slow software.
• A few commenters are pessimistic about the future of software performance, predicting that it will continue to decline.
• Others believe that the use of certain programming languages and frameworks, such as Rust, will make it easier to write efficient software.
• Some commenters think that the pressure to write efficient software will increase due to the rising cost of RAM and device manufacturers' need to optimize performance.