The Future of Coding in the Age of AI

by: Nongcebo Buthelezi

Recent articles and Medium posts have been discussing how coding is dead, and AI is taking over. With the rise of ChatGPT and other advanced AI technologies, it's easy to see why some people might be concerned about the future of software engineering.

Many industries, including factory jobs, have been decimated by automation and technology. Therefore, it is natural to ask whether the field of coding in software engineering is next? Given the potential risks of coding becoming obsolete in the future, one may wonder if it's even worth learning how to code for the present generation. But the question remains, is this even true? Will coding truly become obsolete, or will there always be a marketplace of software engineers with coding skills?

While there's a growing movement of no-code or low-code, it's essential to recognize that coding skills are still vital. Despite the advancements in AI, coding skills are still in high demand because human beings are still an essential part of the software engineering equation. The role of software engineers is to build and maintain the systems and structures that AI relies on for its functionality. Therefore, coding skills are still valuable and necessary skills to have.

As for the no-code or low-code movement, it is an exciting development that empowers people with little or no coding skills to build applications. They may be forming boot camps or writing books, but these tools are designed to help people with no coding experience get a start in the field of software engineering. However, it's important to note that they only have the capacity to create relatively simple applications. For more complex systems, coding skills will still be the means to delivering advanced engineering solutions.

In conclusion, while AI is undoubtedly making strides in the technology industry, it's not yet capable of completely replacing human beings in the software engineering equation. Therefore, coding skills will continue to be in demand for the time being. If you're considering a career in software engineering, learning how to code will still be a valuable skill, as it is unlikely that coding will become obsolete anytime soon.