> But instead I watch Claude struggling to find a directory it expects to see and running random npm commands until it comes to the conclusion that, somehow, node_modules was corrupted mysteriously and therefore it needs to wipe everything node related and manually rebuild the project config by vague memory.
In fairness I have on many an occasion worked with real life software developers who really should know better deciding the problem lies anywhere but their initial model of how this should work. Quite often that developer has been me, although I like to hope I've learned to be more skeptical when that thought crosses my mind now.
Right, but typically making those kind of mistakes creates more work for yourself and with the benefit of experience you get better at recognizing the red flags to avoid getting in that situation again. but it
Which is why I think the parent post had a great observation about human problem solving having evolved in a universe inherently formed by the additive effect of every previous decision you've ever made made in your life.
There's a lot of variance in humans, sure, but inescapable stakes/skin in the game from an instinctual understanding that you can't just revert to a previous checkpoint any time you screw up. That world model of decisions and consequences helps ground abstract problem solving ability with a healthy amount of risk aversion and caution that LLMs lack.
In fairness I have on many an occasion worked with real life software developers who really should know better deciding the problem lies anywhere but their initial model of how this should work. Quite often that developer has been me, although I like to hope I've learned to be more skeptical when that thought crosses my mind now.