Using LLMs to Develop a Cross-Platform Elixir NIF in C: Challenges and Insights
By
overbring_labs
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
The article details the author's experience using large language models (LLMs) like Grok 3, Gemini 2.5 Flash, and GPT-5 to develop a cross-platform Elixir NIF in C for disk-usage statistics. The process involved iterative code reviews and troubleshooting across Linux, macOS, Windows, and BSDs, highlighting the challenges and limitations of LLMs despite their hype.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledI had Grok 3 generate the initial C code and Makefile, then iterated through multiple code reviews by Gemini 2.5 Flash and GPT-5 to make it work on Linux, macOS, Windows, and the BSDs.
Along the way, I ran into typical LLM hiccups that speak volumes about the breathless hyperbole often peddled by LLM vendors, compute providers, and over-enthusiastic consultants.
This post documents how I built a cross-platform Elixir NIF in C to get on-demand up-to-date disk-usage stats without relying on os_mon and its disksup service.
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