dictionary-of-ai-coding  by mattpocock

A glossary for AI coding concepts

Created 3 weeks ago

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Project Summary

Summary

This repository provides a comprehensive "Dictionary of AI Coding," aimed at demystifying the complex jargon and concepts prevalent in the AI development landscape. It serves as a plain-English guide for engineers, researchers, and power users, translating arcane terminology into understandable explanations, thereby reducing confusion around AI system behavior, costs, and implementation. The primary benefit is empowering users with the foundational vocabulary needed to navigate and effectively utilize AI coding tools and models.

How It Works

The project functions as an extensive glossary, meticulously defining key terms related to AI models, sessions, tools, failure modes, memory systems, and common working patterns. Each entry includes a clear, plain-English explanation and practical usage examples, illustrating how the term applies in real-world AI coding scenarios. This approach directly addresses the opacity of AI jargon by providing accessible definitions and context.

Quick Start & Requirements

This is a reference document and does not require installation or execution. It is intended to be read and consulted.

Highlighted Details

  • Covers a wide spectrum of AI coding concepts, from fundamental model mechanics (tokens, parameters, inference) to advanced topics like agent harnesses, failure modes (sycophancy, hallucination), memory systems, and interaction patterns (handoffs, AFK).
  • Each definition is accompanied by practical "Usage" examples, demonstrating how the term is applied in conversations or code-related decisions.
  • Focuses on translating "manufactured" complexity, aiming to make AI coding accessible by explaining the underlying principles in straightforward language.

Maintenance & Community

The README mentions the author's newsletter (aihero.dev/newsletter) and a large community of developers, but provides no specific maintenance details or community links (e.g., Discord, Slack) for the repository itself.

Licensing & Compatibility

No license information is provided in the README.

Limitations & Caveats

This repository is purely a glossary and does not contain executable code, libraries, or tools. Its value lies solely in its explanatory content, serving as a reference rather than an implementable solution. Users seeking to integrate AI coding practices will need to find separate tools and libraries to apply the concepts defined herein.

Health Check
Last Commit

2 weeks ago

Responsiveness

Inactive

Pull Requests (30d)
4
Issues (30d)
4
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1,872 stars in the last 26 days

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