Does Coding Still Matter in the Age of AI?
by BrainStream Chief Marketing Officer Ya-Hui (Laura) Kao
If AI can write code, why should students still learn it?
AI tools such as ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot are changing the way people write software. They can generate code, find bugs, and help build simple applications in seconds. For students learning programming, the way they learn is changing too.
Learning to code has never been only about writing code. Students also learn how to break down a problem, think logically, test different ideas, and understand why something works or does not work.
These skills are still important when AI is part of the process.
Microsoft recently encouraged students to continue learning how to code, describing it as a skill worth learning “now more than ever.”
AI can also be a useful learning tool. Students can use it to understand an error, explore different approaches, or get feedback on their work. At the same time, they need enough programming knowledge to check the results and recognize when something is wrong.
AI is changing how coding is learned and used, but the fundamentals still matter. Students may spend less time memorizing syntax and more time understanding problems, evaluating solutions, and developing their own ideas.
Coding is still a valuable skill, not only for future programmers, but also for students who want to develop stronger problem solving and logical thinking skills.
