Post B2Fn5A7Qql1eZI9fI8 by spitfire@poster.place
 (DIR) More posts by spitfire@poster.place
 (DIR) Post #B2DOnAmsq5WKDHVrBA by dk@tldr.nettime.org
       2026-01-12T16:28:04Z
       
       0 likes, 2 repeats
       
       I hereby coin the term "Ptolemaic Code" to refer to software that appears functional but is based on a fundamentally incorrect model of the problem domain. As more code is generated by AI, the prevalence of such code is likely to increase.1/7
       
 (DIR) Post #B2DOnJDlU1mCMy9RBo by dk@tldr.nettime.org
       2026-01-12T16:28:09Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       Like the ancient Ptolemaic model of the solar system, which tried to overcome its fundamentally incorrect understanding of the solar system by adding complex "epicycles" to force its Earth-centred model to match observed reality,2/7
       
 (DIR) Post #B2DOnR5YERxYloMzUu by dk@tldr.nettime.org
       2026-01-12T16:28:15Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       this code passes all its tests and satisfies, its specifications, yet is built on a fundamentally flawed logic.AI code generation, which relies on examples, will likely produce significant amounts of Ptolemaic Code.3/7
       
 (DIR) Post #B2DOnZ7cMeMlgXOkpU by dk@tldr.nettime.org
       2026-01-12T16:28:20Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       It attempts to fit solutions from potentially very different domains together with corrective code "epicycles" until it satisfies its context, the user, and tests.4/7
       
 (DIR) Post #B2DOngqXe1SbdtTEK8 by dk@tldr.nettime.org
       2026-01-12T16:28:26Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       This is a trap: while the code works within its parameters, its internal model is incoherent. When it inevitably fails, the incoherent basis for debugging or correction will lead to additional 'epicycles' being added. This process increases system complexity and brittleness.5/7
       
 (DIR) Post #B2DOnpTpXpdoQ3uifo by dk@tldr.nettime.org
       2026-01-12T16:28:31Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       The Ptolemaic model of the solar system, though completely incorrect, allowed sailors to navigate the globe for centuries, its failure was not practical but explanatory, similar to how Ptolemaic Code works until deeper issues arise.6/7
       
 (DIR) Post #B2DOnxZRSqspVmbJWy by dk@tldr.nettime.org
       2026-01-12T16:28:36Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       Ptolemaic code works, but when it breaks, it can only be patched, not made correct.7/7
       
 (DIR) Post #B2Fn5A7Qql1eZI9fI8 by spitfire@poster.place
       2026-01-13T20:43:36.812Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @dk@tldr.nettime.org AOC says you have smol peener.
       
 (DIR) Post #B2Fn5BXhYZdIz3S9sO by dj@parcero.casa
       2026-01-13T20:46:56.252822Z
       
       2 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @spitfire @dk