Introduction
A few days ago, I received an email from a student that made me pause. He asked, “Is the utility of learning coding going to decline in the era of AI?” It’s a valid question, especially in light of statements made by leaders in tech. Recently, NVIDIA’s CEO claimed that “the end of programming is near,” sparking debates about the future of coding in an AI-dominated landscape.
It’s concerning when executives make sweeping statements like this, often born from misunderstanding the complexities of technology. Let me reassure you, software development—aka programming/coding—is not dead, and it won’t be anytime soon. Instead, it’s evolving into a collaborative approach where humans work alongside AI tools. Think of it as a team effort between a person and an AI assistant, each enhancing the other’s capabilities to create better code.
While AI can generate code, it often needs a human touch to ensure its reliability and accuracy. It requires skill to continually prompt the AI to solve even simple problems, much like how good programmers know how to search effectively for the right information. Most of the training data for AI is based on publicly available information, while much of the code used in the industry resides in private repositories and isn’t part of that training.
The Evolving Role of Programmers
The field is changing, but that’s always been the case. I believe we’re headed toward a future where every programmer works like a tech lead, supported by AI tools that help them create and edit code more efficiently.
This shift presents a unique opportunity for new generations of coders. Learning to work with AI will become an essential skill, just as traditional coding has been. Understanding how to effectively communicate with AI will set students apart in the job market.
Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of a solid coding foundation. As AI becomes more integrated into development processes, those who understand the underlying principles of programming will be better equipped to guide and leverage these technologies.
Why Coding Skills Remain Essential
So, if there are so many ways to accomplish tasks without diving into coding, why is coding still essential? The answer is multi-layered, and it’s hard to predict how AI will shift this foundational logic.
Consider a student working on a group project. They might rely on an AI tool to help draft their presentation. While the AI can generate ideas and content, understanding how to structure those ideas is crucial. Without grasping the underlying principles of organization and clarity, they risk ending up with a presentation that lacks focus or coherence. Coding provides that structured approach, enabling students to effectively communicate their thoughts and intentions.
Think of it this way: when using a powerful AI tool, a student can ask it to perform a variety of tasks. However, without a basic understanding of coding, it can be challenging to decipher what the AI is doing or how to make improvements. Having these coding skills means students can peer inside the “black box,” allowing them to refine their outputs and enhance the overall quality of their work.
Conclusion:
As we move deeper into the age of artificial intelligence, the way we think about coding is shifting—but its importance is not diminishing. AI is changing how programmers work, but it is not replacing the need for human understanding, logic, and creativity. Instead, it is becoming a powerful collaborator, one that amplifies what skilled people can build.
This means the real value today lies not in abandoning coding because AI can generate snippets of code, but in learning how to use AI intelligently. Students who understand coding will have a major advantage: they will know how to guide AI, evaluate its output, fix inaccuracies, and think critically about the systems they are building. They won’t just consume technology—they will shape it.
Foundational coding skills teach structure, clarity, and problem-solving. These are the same skills that help students write better prompts, reason through AI-generated work, and spot when something doesn’t look right. Whether AI writes 10% of the code or 90%, people who understand how things work under the hood will always stand out.
So, is coding still worth learning in an AI-driven world?
Absolutely. More than ever.
Coding is no longer just about typing commands; it’s about understanding systems, communicating with machines, and building solutions alongside intelligent tools. It teaches students to think logically, act creatively, and remain in control—even when technology becomes more powerful.
The future belongs to those who can work with AI, not fear it. And learning to code is one of the strongest steps a student can take to prepare for that future.
