Is Coding dead in the age of AI?

"Why do programmers prefer dark mode? Because light attracts bugs!"

Now that we have shared a laugh let's address a serious question: is coding becoming obsolete in the age of artificial intelligence? As AI evolves, some wonder if it will replace programmers entirely, turning coding into a relic of the past. But the reality, much like the punchline of that joke, is more nuanced than it first appears.

The Rise of AI-Assisted Development

Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly transformed the way we approach software development. Tools like GitHub Copilot, OpenAI's Codex, and other intelligent code generators can understand natural language prompts and translate them into executable code. It's almost reminiscent of 'Video Killed the Radio Star'—some fear AI will similarly replace traditional coding, but the reality is more complex. This has led many to believe that coding is becoming an outdated skill destined to be replaced by AI. However, this presumption overlooks a key aspect: the role of human creativity and decision-making in software design.

AI may be good at writing code snippets or even producing entire modules. Still, it lacks the fundamental ability to understand the unique business contexts, user needs, and complexities that underlie most software projects. In other words, while AI can automate portions of development, it is still a long way from truly replacing the programmer's intricate, holistic understanding of a problem.

Coding Is Changing, Not Dying

The nature of coding is indeed changing. Automation simplifies many repetitive coding tasks, and developers rely more on higher-level tools that reduce the amount of boilerplate code they have to write. Rather than spending hours on mundane tasks, developers increasingly focus on architecture, creativity, and problem-solving. Coding is evolving into a more strategic role, where human developers guide AI, integrate different systems, and ensure that software meets organisational goals. Think of AI not as a replacement but as an assistant—a very advanced autocomplete function. Coders are now shifting from manually writing every line of code to orchestrating a combination of algorithms and pre-built components. In this sense, the art form of coding is being redefined, but it is far from disappearing.

Human Insight Still Leads

AI, for all its capabilities, is fundamentally limited by the data it has been trained on. A developer's unique ability to anticipate needs, understand complex systems, and manage ambiguity remains a significant differentiator. Writing clean, scalable, and maintainable code is a skill that benefits from years of experience and an understanding of best practices—something AI has yet to master. It cannot inherently comprehend ethical considerations, regulatory constraints, or company-specific nuances, which are critical in the tech world. Humans provide the empathy, ethical judgment, and context-awareness that AI fundamentally lacks. Developers bring creativity and adaptability to the table, elements that are hard, if not impossible, for AI to replicate.

So, is coding a dying art form? Not quite. It is evolving. The future of programming may lie in collaboration between human developers and AI tools. A model is often referred to as augmented development. In the future, developers will leverage AI to accelerate repetitive or labour-intensive parts of coding while focusing their talents on designing and building unique solutions. Developers must adapt and expand their skills, learning to harness AI to become even more efficient and impactful in their roles. The truth is that while AI can generate code, it lacks the capacity for deep innovation. It cannot replace the passion that drives developers to create elegant solutions or the ability to envision entirely new possibilities. The art of coding will continue to exist, but as with all art forms, it will evolve with the tools and technologies available.