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Saved February 14, 2026
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The article discusses how the rise of AI tools like LLMs is diminishing the need for small open source libraries, such as blob-util. The author reflects on the loss of educational value in coding as instant solutions replace the learning process. While acknowledging the challenges, they express hope for more innovative open source projects that can't be easily replicated by AI.
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The article reflects on the changing landscape of open source software in light of AI advancements, particularly how tools like LLMs (Large Language Models) are affecting the development and utility of small libraries. The author, known for the popular npm package blob-util, notes that while his library has seen sustained use with over 5 million weekly downloads, many developers now rely on LLMs to generate similar utilities on demand. This shift raises questions about the necessity of libraries like blob-util, which not only solve specific problems but also aim to educate users about JavaScript.
The author expresses concern that the increasing reliance on instant solutions from AI diminishes the value of teaching and understanding foundational concepts in programming. He recalls the whimsical tutorials he crafted for blob-util, which were designed to help users learn rather than just providing a functional tool. With LLMs able to generate similar code snippets quickly, the incentive to create these educational resources diminishes, potentially stunting developers' learning opportunities.
Despite acknowledging that the era of small, low-value libraries is waning, the author maintains a belief in the importance of open source projects that offer genuine educational value. He suggests that future open source contributions should focus on larger, more inventive projects or niche topics that are less likely to be addressed by LLMs. The piece closes with a recognition that while some aspects of open source may become obsolete, there remains a vibrant space for innovative development, as demonstrated by ongoing projects like Ripple.js, which challenge the idea that new frameworks are unnecessary.
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