[metalcrow]

Given that the output describes the function as being done "with extraordinary caution, because you never know what can go wrong", i would guess that the undisclosed prompt was something similar to "generate a division function in python that handles all possible edges cases. be extremely careful". Which seems to say less about LLM training and more about them doing exactly what they are told.

[freehorse]

Aside from the absurdity and obvious satirical intention,

1. the code is actually wrong (and is wrong regardless of the absurd exception handling situation)

2. some of the exception handling makes no sense regardless, or is incoherent

3. a less absurd version of this actually happens (edit: commonly in actual irl scenarios) if you put emphasis on exception handling in the prompt

[angry_albatross]

I interpreted the function code as being a deliberately exaggerated satirical example that was illustrative of the experience he was having. So yes, in that example it was probably told to be overly cautious, but I agree with him that the default of LLMs seems to be a bit more cautious than I would like.