Scott & Mark Learn To… Refchecker, a Useful Tool Coded by Mark and AI

In this episode, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich explore the challenges and opportunities of coding with AI assistants. They compare different models, discuss the quirks of “vibe coding,” and share insights on building tools that bridge LLMs and APIs. Mark walks through his experience developing an academic reference checker, highlighting how AI can help structure messy data, uncover edge cases, and speed up complex development work. The conversation also touches on the evolving joy of coding, from puzzle-solving by hand to managing AI-driven workflows, and how these shifts are reshaping both productivity and creativity.

Takeaways:   

• Mark’s journey building an academic reference checker with AI
• How AI assistants are changing the way developers find joy in coding
• RefChecker source code: https://github.com/markrussinovich/refchecker 

Who are they?    

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn 

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn  

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to 

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts  

Produced by Hangar Studios