# Quoting Matt Pocock

By Saurabh Kumar · TIL note, Nov 4, 2026 · Tags: ai, architecture

Source: https://saurabh-kumar.com/til/1793805930/

> The way agents 'read' code is different - good agents are all about gathering data about how the code works. They'll prod around with it, execute parts of it.
>
> So 'readability' to agents really means 'verifiability'. How easy it is to mess about with that code to see it working.
>
> Let's take this scenario:
>
> - You have a huge module in your codebase that uses all sorts of complex performance tricks
>
> - It has 100% test coverage
>
> A talented human would need an hour or two to get comfortable working in that module.
>
> An agent needs zero time. They verify it with the tests, poke about a bit, and they're good to go.
>
> — [Matt Pocock](https://x.com/mattpocockuk/status/2117953152376799498), on code readability in the age of agents