Rethinking My Research Direction

Last night, while reviewing my recent progress, I suddenly realized something: my research direction might need adjustment.

I opened the SWE-bench leaderboard and began systematically examining how various models and tools perform on software engineering tasks. The data gave me a clearer picture of the current landscape—which technical approaches are gaining momentum and which directions may be reaching saturation.

This wasn’t casual browsing; it was a deliberate course correction. The greatest risk in research is working hard in the wrong direction. Sometimes, looking up to check your bearings matters more than keeping your head down and pushing forward.

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Exploring New Tools and Technologies

While researching, I gradually discovered several new technologies and tools:

• Skills: A new way of organizing model capabilities, enabling more efficient performance in specific domains
• Typeless: An emerging development tool worth keeping an eye on
• Claude Code vs Cursor: Through comparison, I found that Claude Code appears to outperform Cursor in code comprehension and generation

Based on this assessment, I purchased Claude Pro today to conduct a deeper comparison in real projects. Tool selection doesn’t just affect efficiency—it can shape how you think and work.

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Two Important Realizations

After days of reflection and practice, I’ve reached two significant conclusions:

First, innovation stems from foundational thinking. Only by truly understanding technology at its core can you find breakthrough opportunities. Surface-level application rarely leads to real innovation. I don’t have to follow the traditional path my advisor suggests. Instead, I need to read cutting-edge industry papers extensively, think independently, and build up my strength.

Second, research work might genuinely be right for me. These past few weeks of intensive research have revealed something about myself: when solving complex problems, my thinking stays flexible and my mind stays clear. I can maintain focus and enthusiasm for extended periods. This state isn’t forced—it flows naturally.

Perhaps the PhD path was meant for me after all.

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Next Steps

Keep digging deep. Keep thinking. Direction becomes clearer through adjustment; confidence builds through practice. The road is long, but my feet now know where they’re headed.