The cognitive cost of agentic code generation: why we need deliberate friction in development
By
tosh
Properly proved. Has structure, has flavour, has a point.
Summary
The article reflects on the cognitive disconnect experienced when using agentic code generation tools. The author notes that while these tools produce code output, they bypass the internal mental processes—like working memory and problem-solving—that occur when writing code manually. The piece advocates for reintroducing "deliberate friction" into development to preserve deeper learning and understanding.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWhen I finish an agentic session, I get all the outward signs of having written code, but none of the internal processes that happen when we write code by hand.
Short-term memory gathers information temporarily and processes it quickly, like RAM. Long-term memory includes things you've learned previously and tucked away, like database storage.
Adding deliberate friction back into development
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