Coding-agent scaffolding increases token costs without improving model performance
October 25, 2026
Research indicates that complex scaffolding for coding agents primarily increases token consumption without improving task results. The underlying model's base capabilities, rather than the agentic harness, remain the primary driver of performance.
HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU
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builderAvoid over-engineering agentic loops if your goal is performance; focus on the base model quality to control costs.
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researcherThis suggests a need for more efficient agent architectures that don't rely on redundant reasoning steps.