[willtemperley]

People re-create the same algorithms all the time for different languages or because of license incompatibility.

I'm personally doing just that because I want an algorithm written in C++ in a LGPL library working in another language

[nuancebydefault]

In fact this is a counter argument to the point of the article. You're not making 'just more throwaway software' but instead building usable software while standing on the shoulders of existing algo's and libraries.

[willtemperley]

Well yes. To me industrial software is hardened algorithms, not throwaway slop like the author is arguing. LLMs are very good at porting existing algorithms and as you say it’s about standing on the shoulders of giants. I couldn’t write these from scratch but I can port and harden an algo with basic engineering practices.

I like the article except the premise is wrong - industrial software will be high value and low cost as it will outlive the slop.