LLMs Exacerbate the Underutilization of Libraries

Libraries are underutilized, due to factors like the enjoyment of coding over reading documentation, the Dunning-Kruger effect underestimating library complexity, and internal projects competing with libraries. LLMs worsen this. While 'vibe coding' with LLMs is fun and efficient, the output often pales in comparison to battle-tested libraries. LLM-generated code is susceptible to prompt engineering limitations, whereas library creators possess deeper problem understanding and can leverage LLMs to generate higher-quality code. Ironically, excessive reliance on LLMs for code generation can be perceived as innovation, creating perverse incentives and further exacerbating the problem. For complex tasks, prioritizing established libraries over direct LLM usage is crucial.