Even a calculator doesn't work if one doesn't use it correctly. Agentic coding works very well if used correctly, such as in the following way:
1. Define your task prompt as well as possible. Refine it via the LLM, having the LLM review it, and repeat this process ad infinitum until there are no important issues left to fix. If possible, use multiple LLMs to identify gaps in your task prompt. You now have your refined task specification. This is the most time consuming step. Sometimes it's necessary to add API docs and SDKs to the context.
2. Use a good reasoning LLM by OpenAI or Claude or Gemini or Grok to execute the spec.
3. Review the generated code line by line. Make any necessary changes, either manually or again using the LLM. With any luck there won't be anything to fix.
Even a calculator doesn't work if one doesn't use it correctly. Agentic coding works very well if used correctly, such as in the following way:
1. Define your task prompt as well as possible. Refine it via the LLM, having the LLM review it, and repeat this process ad infinitum until there are no important issues left to fix. If possible, use multiple LLMs to identify gaps in your task prompt. You now have your refined task specification. This is the most time consuming step. Sometimes it's necessary to add API docs and SDKs to the context.
2. Use a good reasoning LLM by OpenAI or Claude or Gemini or Grok to execute the spec.
3. Review the generated code line by line. Make any necessary changes, either manually or again using the LLM. With any luck there won't be anything to fix.
If used in this way, it works so well.