Replacing Scripts with AI Markdown Files

A developer proposes replacing traditional Bash scripts with Markdown files processed by local AI agents, arguing that code is a maintenance burden. Using llama-cpp's tool-use feature, an AI agent like Gemma 4 12B or Qwen 3.6 35B can read a Markdown file and execute its instructions as a natural-language program, though the approach risks low-quality LLM outputs and the Markdown file becoming a similar liability.

Code is basically a burden or liability —it has to be maintained. If a file is moved, a Bash script that depends on that file can fail. The more code you have, the more you must maintain; and this can become overwhelming and turn into a full-time job. I have wondered how local AI agents like those supported by llama-cpp can reduce this problem. This is particularly interesting now that llama-cpp has tool use —just enable the "tools all" option on the command line. Instead of a "something.sh" Bash file, it is possible to use a Markdown file "something.md" and have an AI agent process it. • Use a prompt with Gemma 4 12B or Qwen 3.6 35B and tell it to read the file and follow the instructions. • The Markdown file thus fully replaces the script—essentially a natural-language program. There are of course some problems with this approach. A low-quality LLM may not follow the instructions correctly. And the Markdown file itself becomes the same sort of liability that the Bash file used to be—although the instructions in a Markdown file may be easier to maintain.