--- date: "2025-12-23T05:36:05Z" categories: - llms - linkedin description: I found AI agents collapse the traditional know-learn-execute workflow. Using Claude to generate complex ffmpeg audio visualizations, I bypassed learning syntax entirely, shifting to an 'execute first' model that challenges how we teach software tools. keywords: [ai agents, claude, ffmpeg, learning models, software mastery, audio visualization] --- AI agents are messing up software tool learning. Normally, we need to pass stages of competence: KNOW what you can do\ LEARN how to do it\ EXECUTE it. Excel: **KNOW** you can summarize by category, **LEARN** pivot tables, **EXECUTE** an Insert → PivotTable → select data range → drag ... Photoshop: **KNOW** you can erase objects, **LEARN** Content-Aware Fill, **EXECUTE** Lasso tool → select → Edit → Content-Aware Fill → ... **AI agents collapse these stages**. Especially with command line tools. For example, I did not **KNOW** ffmpeg could visualize audio, nor **LEARN** the complex filters, nor **EXECUTE** it on my laptop. Instead, I told Claude to _Visualize this audio clip creatively in multiple ways_. It generated a dozen stunning visualizations of this Why This Kolaveri clip: https://lnkd.in/g7vfcPEs I didn't KNOW ⮕ LEARN ⮕ EXECUTE. I did an EXECUTE ⮕ KNOW ⮕ don't bother to LEARN. Since that's possible, my prompts are now like: "I don't know what I want. Guess my desires. Fulfill them. Show me. Then maybe I'll know what I want." Which is fantastic! But on the other hand, this **TOTALLY** messes up how I teach software tools... ![](https://files.s-anand.net/images/2025-12-23-4-stages-of-competence-linkedin.webp)
[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanand0_ai-agents-are-messing-up-software-tool-learning-activity-7408179762227159041-_Pof)