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Sketch Then Generate: Providing Incremental User Feedback and Guiding LLM Code Generation through Language-Oriented Code Sketches (2405.03998v2)

Published 7 May 2024 in cs.HC and cs.CL

Abstract: Crafting effective prompts for code generation or editing with LLMs is not an easy task. Particularly, the absence of immediate, stable feedback during prompt crafting hinders effective interaction, as users are left to mentally imagine possible outcomes until the code is generated. In response, we introduce Language-Oriented Code Sketching, an interactive approach that provides instant, incremental feedback in the form of code sketches (i.e., incomplete code outlines) during prompt crafting. This approach converts a prompt into a code sketch by leveraging the inherent linguistic structures within the prompt and applying classic natural language processing techniques. The sketch then serves as an intermediate placeholder that not only previews the intended code structure but also guides the LLM towards the desired code, thereby enhancing human-LLM interaction. We conclude by discussing the approach's applicability and future plans.

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Enhancing User Interaction with LLMs for Code Generation through Language-Oriented Code Sketching

Introduction

How do you craft effective prompts for code generation using LLMs? Traditionally, this involves a cumbersome trial-and-error process with no immediate feedback, making it tricky for programmers to anticipate the generated code’s quality and functionality until it's fully rendered. Addressing this issue, a novel approach known as Language-Oriented Code Sketching has been developed. This methodology leverages the inherently linguistic structure of user prompts to produce intermediate code sketches, providing immediate feedback and guiding the LLM towards desired outputs.

Core Concept of Code Sketching

At its core, Language-Oriented Code Sketching transforms parts of a user's textual prompt into a "code sketch," an incomplete code outline which evolves as more of the prompt is defined. This sketch acts as a conversational placeholder that not only showcases the intended structure but actively guides the code generation process. Here’s a breakdown of how this is achieved:

  • Mapping Phrases to Code Elements: As users create their prompt, the system identifies key phrases and suggests associated code structures or elements.
  • Incremental Assembling: Using classic NLP techniques, these phrases are structured into a sketch based on their relationship within the prompt, formed using defined linguistic rules.
  • Interactive Refinement: The user can interactively refine this sketch by adding more details or adjusting existing components, continually refining the end output.

Each component above addresses traditional feedback delays and unpredictability in code generation, tapping directly into the ongoing prompt creation activity.

Practical Implications and User Benefits

Implementing Language-Oriented Code Sketching delivers several compelling benefits:

  • Reduced Time and Effort: Immediate feedback allows users to adjust their inputs on-the-fly without waiting for a complete code regeneration.
  • Enhanced Accuracy and Relevance: The feedback loop from the sketch helps users steer the code generation in real-time, greatly enhancing the relevance of the generated code to the prompt.
  • Educational Utility: New programmers can see direct relationships between their prompts and code structures, offering educational insights into effective coding practices.

Speculations on Future Developments

Looking forward, enhancing the sketching process with more advanced NLP tools could lead to even more dynamic interaction models. Additionally, expanding this approach to other programming languages and even non-programming contexts could democratize coding further and make this technology more universally beneficial.

Moreover, as LLMs continue to evolve, their ability to interface seamlessly with such intermediate sketch tools could create a more intuitive, code-by-conversation experience. This might bring us closer to realizing more sophisticated human-AI collaborative platforms where the boundaries between code and natural language blur even more.

Conclusion

The introduction of Language-Oriented Code Sketching represents a significant step forward in human-AI interaction in the field of code generation. By leveraging linguistic structures to create dynamic, intermediate code sketches, this approach promises to simplify the coding process, making it more intuitive and effective. While still in its early stages, the potential for this methodology to reshape interactions with LLMs in programming contexts offers exciting possibilities for the future of coding.

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Authors (4)
  1. Chen Zhu-Tian (17 papers)
  2. Zeyu Xiong (13 papers)
  3. Xiaoshuo Yao (2 papers)
  4. Elena Glassman (12 papers)
Citations (3)
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