ezyang: fancier specification languages quietly grow your trusted computing base
ezyang · x · 2026-11-09
ezyang warns that even in "nice" specification languages, the temptation to add features or generate specs via trusted elaboration/metaprogramming expands the TCB and the risk of spec bugs. He cites C compilers' UB behavior — after a condition, UB lets the compiler assume the condition is always false — so you'd better prove your spec has no UB.
More from coding & agent
- Together AI: leaderboards are for shortlisting, your production traffic is the real benchmark — togethercompute · 2026-11-09
- Codex bug: switching accounts wipes your Projects list, just like Claude — DevDminGod · 2026-11-09
- Codex Pacer: agent-reported real-time progress tracking for Claude Code — Disastrous_Reward644 · 2026-11-09
- Don't let the training team see your internal benchmarks — just return a score — xeophon · 2026-11-09
- DSH beats Claude Code on transparency as Blender MCP and vork finally work together — teortaxesTex · 2026-11-09
- AI assistant spots S$40 CapitaLand voucher before it expires — gabrielchua · 2026-11-09