This episode of Techsplainers explores Code LLMs, specialized AI models that are transforming software development by understanding, generating, and explaining code. We examine how these models differ from general-purpose LLMs through their extensive training on programming languages, documentation, and code repositories, giving them a deeper understanding of software development concepts and patterns. The discussion covers how Code LLMs work through transformer architecture and reinforcement learning from human feedback, as well as their substantial benefits for developers, including increased productivity, enhanced learning opportunities, improved documentation, and democratized access to coding. We highlight practical applications such as code generation, bug fixing, refactoring, and test creation, while also addressing important limitations including potential security vulnerabilities, challenges with complex code, intellectual property concerns, and the risk of over-reliance. The episode concludes with insights into how these tools are reshaping the development landscape, with developers increasingly shifting toward a supervisory role focused on architecture and design decisions.

Find more information at https://www.ibm.biz/techsplainers-podcast

Narrated by Erika Russi