AI Is On the Rise, But Coding Is Still Foundational
With artificial intelligence programs becoming more powerful and mainstream by the day, there is growing concern about whether or not old-school skills such as coding are relevant anymore. But Microsoft executives are having none of that, proclaiming that programming acumen is not only still relevant but more so than ever.
Microsoft’s Aparna Chennapragada: “Yes, yes, and yes.”
In an interview with Bloomberg recently, Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer for Experiences and Devices, Aparna Chennapragada, firmly believed in the ongoing relevance of computer science education. When she was asked if kids should still learn to code and if businesses still require engineers, her response was succinct: “Yes, yes, and yes.”
She emphasized coding instills valuable life skills. “It’s not syntax, in my opinion,” she replied. “It’s that logical reasoning and critical reasoning skills that are more valuable when developers work with AI systems.” Chennapragada went further, stating, “Betting against computer science is like betting against reading in the 14th century.”
Engineers Are Still Indispensable
AI can create basic code and aid developers, but it does not take the place of human intervention. In fact, it has done just the opposite. Developers now must step up to review, enhance, and protect AI-created code. Chennapragada underscored, “Working with AI-generated code asks more of it,” speaking of the greater knowledge and sense of duty that engineers must impart. Industry Leaders Agree
Her perspective is shared throughout the tech world. Large and small companies alike keep on recruiting skilled developers. Senior executives at companies such as Cognizant and Okta have commented that while AI speeds up learning for junior engineers, the senior developers are still the ones to ensure quality and innovation.
Satya Nadella: Everyone Becomes a Software Architect
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also contributed, outlining how AI alters the dynamics of programming jobs. “The path to being that software architect gets speeded up. All of us are going to be more software architects,” he said. Nadella pointed out that success with AI still depends on strong computational thinking. “Even with AI, success depends on giving clear, structured instructions, a skill that blends technical knowledge with systems thinking,” he added.
The Future of Coding in an AI World
The message from Microsoft leadership is clear. AI can help with the “how” of programming, but the “why” and “what” remain in the realm of human brains. Program skills, thinking skills, and systems design are more, not less, relevant in the AI world.
While AI is revolutionizing the technology space, it is individuals who understand the fundamentals of software who will be the leaders of the future. Coding is not just surviving; it is evolving into a superpower for the future generation of tech specialists.
