tgo Devlog #3: Taming Context Windows, Compiling Lodash, and the Repetitive Reality of True Ownership

Short summary

Author develops tgo, a TypeScript-to-Go compiler, and shares how AI management mirrors people management: both require clear workflows, consistent reminders, and accepting repetition as inherent to the system. At 1M token context, he optimized to four core workflows (test, debug, feature, library) and learned that taking ownership beats fighting frustration. The core insight: stop complaining about repetition and accept the machine you're operating.

• •Lodash compilation stress-tested AI workflows; 122 of 316 entry points failing, prompting test-runner overhaul with selective compilation and aggressive caching
• •Context window breakthrough: Defined four rigid workflows to prevent token waste and feature breakage; at 1M tokens, must actively monitor halfway through
• •Leadership wisdom: Managing AI is exactly like managing people—success requires consistent direction, acceptance of repetition, and extreme ownership over blame

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.