More than 60% of companies with over 10,000 employees are using AI, according to MIT Sloan. Since the launch of ChatGPT in October 2022, the world has been bound to change. In less than a week of its launch, it gained over a million users—a record-breaking milestone for consumer adoption. At first, I was skeptical. Could AI be just another fad? Its growth was rapid and seemingly came out of nowhere. But I was wrong.
AI didn’t emerge from a vacuum. It had been developing behind the scenes for years, waiting for the right moment. Unlike fleeting trends, AI is here to stay because it solves real problems and enhances efficiency across industries. After ChatGPT, a wave of large language models (LLMs) followed, further proving that AI isn’t just hype—it’s a transformative tool that will shape the future for decades to come.
But why is AI so loved and hated at the same time? AI removes the bottleneck between conceptualization and manifestation. That’s what makes it revolutionary. Businesses and individuals love it for its efficiency. Yet, some despise it for eroding the essence of human creativity. Take programming, for example. We now live in a world where you don’t need to be an engineer to build an app, create a website, or even develop an AI bot. Kids as young as five can build projects with AI assistance. I recently read about a 12-year-old who built an app using AI—an incredible feat. While I admire such advancements, there’s also a downside. The low barrier to entry makes it difficult to distinguish true artistry from mass-produced content. AI has stripped away the patience, critical thinking, and craftsmanship that traditionally defined programming.
As for me, I don’t resent AI—I embrace it. We are at the dawn of something monumental. I first dabbled in coding in 2022 during my sophomore year of college. I learned the basics of Python but didn’t find it particularly engaging. However, everything changed for me in early 2024. I found a renewed passion for coding, and the excitement it brings is unmatched. This year, I decided to go all in.
A logical person might ask: Why bother learning to code before building in 2025? With AI, I could skip the learning curve and go straight to the building stage. After all, AI can generate code effortlessly. But I believe coding is still an essential skill, and in this post, I’ll share three key reasons why.
1. Enhancing Problem-Solving and Logical Thinking
Learning to code forces you to break down problems into smaller, manageable parts. Debugging, algorithms, and logical structures all require analytical thinking—a skill that is invaluable in today’s world. Since I started programming, I’ve developed a mindset that helps me approach challenges systematically. Recently, at my job, I was asked to describe the process of some tasks I perform for a coworker to understand. I instinctively broke them down step by step, much like debugging a piece of code. That moment reaffirmed how coding enhances problem-solving skills beyond the screen.
Real-World Applications:
- In business: Analyzing trends and optimizing workflows.
- In customer service: Improving efficiency and troubleshooting issues.
- In everyday life: Making better decisions through structured thinking.
2. Building My Own Tools and Projects
Have you ever had a brilliant idea for a project, startup, or creative endeavor, only to realize you lack the tools or skills to bring it to life? Days pass, the excitement fades, and the idea disappears. That frustration is all too familiar.
Ideas are fleeting. If you don’t act on them, they vanish. I believe in Murphy’s Law for ideas: If you sit on them too long without execution, they will deteriorate. However, coding bridges the gap between ideation and creation. With programming skills, I can turn my ideas into reality without being dependent on pre-built tools.
Studies have shown that creative activities that involve building and problem-solving stimulate the brain, enhance cognitive function, and foster neuroplasticity. Humans are wired to create. Relying solely on AI for that process robs us of a fundamental part of our nature. Coding allows me to tap into that creativity, learn, and build meaningful projects.
3. AI Won’t Replace Coders—But It Will Enhance Them
A major fear surrounding AI is job displacement. It’s a valid concern. But history has shown that foundational skills don’t disappear; they evolve. The printing press didn’t erase the need for scribes; it made knowledge accessible to the masses, creating a demand for editors, publishers, and authors. The typewriter didn’t eliminate writing—it revolutionized how we put words on paper. The Industrial Revolution didn’t eliminate craftsmanship; it transformed it, shifting focus from manual labor to machine operation and innovation. Similarly, AI won’t make coding obsolete; it will elevate the role of developers to problem-solvers who leverage AI to enhance their work.
AI today is as good as (or even better than) a junior developer. It can generate code at an astonishing speed, but it lacks human intuition, creativity, and decision-making abilities. While AI might reshape the job market, we are still far from full automation.
The Key Is Collaboration, Not Competition
AI is a powerful tool for those who know how to use it. It feels like having an ultra-talented coding assistant available 24/7. Since I started coding, I’ve learned how to use AI as a guide without letting it hinder my learning. If I struggle with a concept, I ask AI for an explanation, not just the answer. For example, when I was confused about regression in programming, I asked for a breakdown of its mathematical principles. That helped me grasp the concept without mindlessly copying code.
The real danger isn’t AI itself—it’s people who refuse to adapt.
AI won’t replace people, but those who know how to use AI effectively will outpace those who don’t.
to wrap up
Coding isn’t just about learning a technical skill—it’s about thinking better, fostering creativity, and thriving in an AI-driven world. Those who embrace this wave of technological change will shape the coming decades.
How I Plan to Document My learning Journey
I will primarily be learning through online resources. My first step is completing Harvard’s open-source CS50 course. Once finished, I plan to dive into The Odin Project, a highly recommended curriculum. I’ll document my progress here on this blog, sharing lessons learned, challenges faced, and projects built.
Projects I Want to Build(but not limited):
- Automating tasks in my daily routine
- Creating a website or an app
- Exploring AI-powered applications
Having coding independence will get me there.
What’s your take on learning coding in the AI era? Do you think AI will replace us all, or is it just another tool in our arsenal?
Thanks for reading!