⚙️ Compilers and LLMs

Parallel between Compiler Warnings/Errors and LLM Hallucination Detection

Compilers analyze source code against strict syntax and semantic rules defined by programming language standards. When code violates these rules — for example, syntax errors or type mismatches — the compiler generates warnings or errors that prevent invalid code from compiling or at least notify the developer to potential issues.

This process is deterministic and rule based.

LLM Hallucination Detection:

LLM hallucinations occur when models generate outputs that are plausible-sounding but factually wrong, or unrelated to the input task. Unlike compilers, LLMs lack formal correctness rules and internal fact-checking mechanisms. Detecting hallucinations relies on probabilistic methods or feedback loops where generated outputs can be verified by additional tools or manual methods.

These detections are less strict and more heuristic, often flagging potential errors but not guaranteeing correctness.

Both are quality control tools, but compiler checks are formal and mandatory, while hallucination detection is probabilistic and contextual.