The Real Python Podcast

Simon Willison: Using LLMs for Python Development

172 snips
Jan 24, 2025
Simon Willison, a prominent web developer known for his projects like Datasette, dives into the world of large language models (LLMs) for Python development. He shares effective prompting techniques and discusses the best models for coding. Simon compares tools and highlights his open-source journey, noting how blogging has influenced his career. He also addresses the potential pitfalls of AI, urging critical evaluation of its outputs. Expect insights on coding tools, ethical implications of tech, and a whimsical look at AI's creative quirks.
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ANECDOTE

Early Open Source

  • Simon Willison's early open-source involvement included creating a news website and an XML-RPC library used in WordPress.
  • He also worked on Django's early stages during a year in Kansas.
INSIGHT

Selfish Open Source

  • Open-sourcing code ensures its reusability across different jobs and prevents reinvention.
  • It also promotes documentation and testing, benefiting the developer long-term.
ANECDOTE

Shot Scraper Example

  • Simon Willison's Shot Scraper project exemplifies his efficient coding style.
  • By leveraging existing libraries, he created a valuable tool with minimal code.
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