The Return of Aspect Oriented Programming

The return of AOP, pioneered by Gregor Kiczales and others in the mid-1990s, is being reimagined with the help of LLMs. This development matters because it offers a promising solution to the complexity and fragmentation of modern code development, where programmers must contend with a multitude of factors such as correctness, efficiency, debuggability, and security. By allowing programmers to focus on individual concerns, separated from the rest of the code, this new approach has the potential to improve code quality, reduce debugging time, and enhance collaboration.

The broader context is that the software development landscape is shifting towards more sophisticated and specialized tools, driven by the increasing complexity of modern software systems. The rise of LLMs is a key driver of this trend, as they enable new forms of automation, optimization, and abstraction. In this context, the revival of AOP is part of a larger shift towards more modular, composable, and maintainable software development practices. However, this also raises questions about the potential impact on traditional software development workflows, the role of human programmers, and the need for new forms of training and expertise.

The implications of this development are far-reaching, and several factors will determine its success. One key factor is the ability of LLMs to accurately capture and apply the nuances of individual concerns, such as logging, security, and internationalization. Another factor is the need for standardized interfaces and formats to ensure seamless integration with existing development tools and workflows. Furthermore, the adoption of this new approach will depend on the willingness of developers to adapt to new ways of working and the availability of sufficient training and support resources.