LLMs are ALUs, not computers, lacking persistent state

The author argues that large language models (LLMs) are fundamentally limited because they lack the persistent state and sequential processing capabilities of traditional computers. Unlike a central processing unit (CPU) with a program counter and registers, an LLM processes input in a single pass and loses all memory of its previous operations once a call returns. This inherent lack of state means LLMs are more akin to an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) than a complete computing machine, and simply increasing parameters or context window size will not grant them the ability to run programs, which require a sequence of dependent steps. AI

IMPACT This perspective suggests that current LLM development focuses on scaling an ALU-like component, potentially missing the architectural requirements for true computational sequencing and state management.

RANK_REASON The item is an opinion piece discussing the fundamental nature of LLMs and their limitations.

Read on dev.to — LLM tag →

• arithmetic logic unit
• central processing unit
• microcontroller
• random-access memory
• Turing machine
• ZX Spectrum

• other

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →