The AI Coding Dictionary: Clarifying Terminology for AI-Assisted Development

X postMatt PocockResource

In response to a call for shared definitions in software engineering, Matt Pocock shared 'The AI Coding Dictionary' (aihero.dev). The resource offers plain-English explanations of key AI coding concepts. In the replies, Pocock noted that he does not distinguish between a specification ('spec') and a plan.

Key points

  1. Posted in reply to Jess (@asyncJess) urging the industry to define what 'spec' means in modern software development.
  2. The AI Coding Dictionary provides clear explanations of AI coding concepts across areas such as models, context windows, agent tools, and failure modes.
  3. Covers fundamental concepts including harness, agent, MCP, context management, attention degradation, and token mechanics.
  4. Asked how he differentiates between a spec and a plan, Pocock replied directly: 'I wouldn't'.

Why it matters

As coding agents become commonplace, ambiguous terminology often leads to misaligned expectations. Having reference glossaries helps engineers build a consistent mental model for agent harnesses, token usage, and prompting strategies.

Analysis

Pocock's reference points to an ongoing shift where specifications increasingly serve as direct implementation plans for autonomous agents. His view that specs and plans are essentially the same sparked conversation around whether specs should strictly define requirements or also dictate procedural steps.

Original post

Matt Pocock

@mattpocockuk · 6 October 2026

t.co/luecNKsqye t.co/dh7EwHFCej

235 likes21 replies260 bookmarks51.2k views

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More posts in the thread (1)
  1. @shubby79 I wouldn't
Selected replies (5)
  • @technoSaas @mattpocockuk t.co/xfibUR5Ar4
  • @shubby79 @mattpocockuk @mattpocockuk how would you differentiate between a spec and a plan?
  • @asyncJess @mattpocockuk ty, ser
  • @gsemetfr @mattpocockuk "Spec" actually does not exist. Not alone. It is always a "specification of something". We usually understand by "Spec" with coding agent, the "contract" we pass with the coding agent in what needs to be changed in the current implementation. I call it a "Change Spec". Other t.co/BhCcVqZk43
  • @SemanticSamuel @mattpocockuk Your site doesn't work on browsers with no WebGL 🫤 t.co/031smnl34Q

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Summary generated by AI (Gemini 3.8 Flash, 8 October 2026). It may contain errors – the original source is authoritative.

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