On Programming with Agents

Zed is experiencing a shift in software development with the integration of AI agents, particularly large language models (LLMs), into their workflow. The team at Zed is learning to effectively use these agents by focusing on the core principles of agentic development, which involves understanding the role of LLMs as tools that automate typing rather than thinking. To effectively leverage AI agents, Zed emphasizes three main rules: use agents only for tasks the user understands, actively engage in the development process to manage uncertainties, and thoroughly review all agent-generated code to ensure it meets the company's high standards. By following these guidelines, Zed aims to enhance the software development process, allowing more time for crafting quality code while maintaining rigorous attention to detail.