Using Large Language Models to Program Transformers

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In-context learning is a technique to get the language model to learn something on the fly. Microsoft started playing with it early on, starting with GPT-2 in 2019. We got some prototypes out in 2020. And we released our own version of that earlier this year called Ghost Rider. It can understand the intent behind your code. For example, you can highlight a piece of code, right-click transform, and you can tell the AI make this code faster.

Programming has transitioned from machine code to punch cards, from assembly to high-level languages, and from C to dynamic languages, then to Python. Now, we are heading into the next frontier with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and today’s guest, Amjad Masad, is one of the leaders designing the future of software engineering. During this episode, Amjad explains how the challenges he came up against during his early days as a programmer inspired him to make programming more accessible and how he is turning that dream into a reality through his privately-held company, Replit. Among other things, you’ll hear why Replit might appeal to both novice and highly experienced programmers, their “code as data” approach, the exponential growth that the company has experienced since its founding in 2016, and why Amjad believes that in the coming years, a single software developer might have the same productivity level as a 100 software developers today!

“Our mission is to power the next generation of software development and rebuild something that is collaborative by default, instance ubiquitous and AI-powered.” — @amasad Key Points From This Episode:

Amjad Masad, the co-founder and CEO of Replit, shares what the company does and the vision that drives them.
The problem with the programming world that inspired Amjad to found Replit.
What the Replit prototype was like in its infancy.
Amjad’s breakthrough that went viral.
The early years of Amjad’s career.
How Replit has grown since its founding in 2016.
Value that Replit aims to provide to beginner and senior programmers.
Where the idea of using code as data originated.
How Replit acquired its name.
Impacts of the Transformer revolution.
How Transformers are programmed.
Amjad explains what his Ghostwriter program does.
Valuable lessons Amjad learned from The Mythical Man-Month.
Software engineering’s latest “silver bullet.”
What Amjad sees as the role of software engineers in the future.
A high-level overview of the history of programming and the developments that Amjad expects to see in the coming years.
Factors that might make Replit stand out from its competitors.
What Amjad wishes he knew from day one of building Replit.