Context

Boris Cherny, creator of Claude Code, discusses the advancements and capabilities of the Opus 5 model at Startup School 2026 with Diana Hu.

Key points

• Boris Cherny discusses the improvements in Opus 5, highlighting its ability to run for extended periods without stopping, which is a unique capability compared to previous models. 1:26
• Opus 5 is no longer prompt injectable, meaning it won't execute harmful instructions from the internet, a significant improvement in model safety. 2:21
• Claude Code has undergone significant changes, including the deletion of 80% of the system prompt, as Opus 5's intelligence reduces the need for extensive prompts. 3:30
• Boris explains the concept of 'product overhang,' where the model's capabilities exceed what current products allow it to express, and how removing unnecessary constraints can unlock these capabilities. 11:07
• The process of building new prompts involves deleting old ones, using the model, and only adding back instructions when necessary, emphasizing an empirical approach. 7:39
• Boris shares an example where Opus 5 rewrote a codebase from Zig to Rust in 11 days, showcasing the model's advanced capabilities in code translation. 16:03
• Dynamic workflows in Claude Code allow for the orchestration of thousands of agents to perform complex tasks, enhancing productivity and efficiency. 25:21
• Boris emphasizes the importance of empirical experimentation with models, suggesting that users should give models challenging tasks and allow them to verify their work. 20:57
• The discussion highlights the shift from traditional coding to leveraging AI models for software development, suggesting that coding is becoming more about managing and guiding AI capabilities. 30:38
• Boris advises students to learn computer science practically by solving real-world problems, combining technical skills with business and design knowledge. 34:36

Quotes