Building faster with Codex

Brief Summary

Nacho, an iOS and Mac OS engineer at OpenAI, discusses how AI tools like Codex are revolutionizing software development by addressing bottlenecks in the development process. He explains that AI can significantly improve productivity by automating trivial tasks, allowing developers to focus on complex problem-solving. Nacho demonstrates how Codex helps him initiate projects and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, effectively acting as an additional team member.

• AI tools address bottlenecks in development.
• Codex automates trivial tasks, improving productivity.
• Developers can manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Introduction

Nacho, an iOS and Mac OS engineer at OpenAI, introduces the concept of AI tools improving productivity. He mentions that the best products from OpenAI have emerged from internal use. He frames the interaction between humans and computers in terms of bottlenecks, which can be either the developer's brain struggling with a problem or their hands being too slow to implement solutions.

Bottlenecks in Software Development

Nacho explains the two main bottlenecks in software development: cognitive and manual. Sometimes, the difficulty lies in solving a complex problem, making the brain the bottleneck. Other times, the solution is clear, but the act of writing the code is time-consuming, making the hands the bottleneck. AI can assist with tasks that are straightforward but tedious, freeing the developer from the limitations of manual coding speed.

Codex Integration and Demonstration

Nacho shares his experience using Codex to integrate it into the chat iOS app. He tasked Codex with setting up the basic structure of a new Swift package. Upon arriving at his desk, the project was already initiated, allowing him to immediately focus on feature implementation. He demonstrates how he can request Codex to start a new task, such as creating a feature to view archived Codex tasks, and monitor its progress through a live activity.

Increased Productivity and Efficiency

Nacho emphasizes that while developers can only actively work on one task at a time, they can use Codex to initiate multiple tasks simultaneously. This means that by the time one task is completed, the groundwork for the next is already laid, significantly boosting productivity. He likens Codex to having another engineer on the team, enabling developers to achieve more in less time. He expresses excitement about the potential for developers to realize increased capabilities and speed through AI assistance, noting the massive positive change in productivity and workflow that he has already experienced.