Is Coding still a thing?
The Evolution of Coding: A Language of Innovation
In the last few decades, coding has cemented its place as the lingua franca of technological innovation. Once the domain of a dedicated few, it has burgeoned into a skill as coveted as literacy and numeracy. As digital technologies weave into the fabric of daily life, the ability to code has become a passport to participation in the modern world.
The democratization of coding education, through platforms like GitHub and a plethora of online resources, has broken down barriers to entry. Yet, as we stand on the cusp of a new era marked by artificial intelligence and machine learning, the role of human coders is poised for transformation. AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot and language models akin to OpenAI's ChatGPT have ignited a debate on the future necessity of traditional coding skills. These tools, designed to enhance productivity, have also sparked questions about the evolution of the coder's role.
Experts in the field resonate with this sentiment. Dr. Jane Holloway, a computer science researcher, comments, "The essence of coding is in its problem-solving capabilities. AI coding solutions like Copilot are remarkable, but they augment rather than replace the human coder." Similarly, Martin Ford, a futurist known for his work on the impact of AI, articulates, "AI will not usurp coding; instead, it will become an instrument in the coder's orchestra, with the coder as the maestro."
Nexgen’s take: We believe that for some years now the shift has been moving away from coding to technology. This doesn’t mean that we don’t need to understand coding anymore. On the contrary it is even more important now because coding is at the heart of every technology out there. Now, with the advent of AI based tech, we see that we no longer need to code the mundane as ChatGPT and Github Copilot will do it for us. However, we still need to understand what we are doing otherwise how do we know that these tools have given us a correct solution? In other words we need more skills, not less.
Coding in the Educational Sphere: A Foundational Pillar
The surge in STEM education initiatives has placed coding at the heart of curricular strategies worldwide. Coding is not merely a subject but a foundational pillar that fosters analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creative expression. Education systems are now embedding coding into a multitude of subjects, emphasizing its interdisciplinary significance.
Dr. Emily Watson, an educational reform advocate, stresses the importance of this approach: "Coding is akin to a canvas for the digital age. It allows students to paint possibilities, transforming abstract ideas into tangible solutions." This educational paradigm shift ensures that students are not passive bystanders in the digital revolution but active contributors.
Nexgen’s take: Let’s hold our horses here! Coding should definitely be at the heart of curriculums worldwide but is it? Not according to what we have seen here in Australia. A large proportion of schools in NSW have virtually zero coding skills as teachers simply don’t have the background. We see an ominous vision ahead of us projecting 10 years into the future where Australian schools are way behind our neighbours in Singapore, Malaysia, India…etc. This is almost inevitable if the trend continues. We can revamp the curriculum (and that is a good thing) but you can’t teach things like game development and mechatronics unless you already have a solid understanding and foundation in coding already as these are yet further layers of understanding that are needed.
The Workforce of Tomorrow: Bridging Coding and Career
As we project the trajectory of future job markets, the intersection of coding skills and professional vocations becomes increasingly evident. Coding fluency is swiftly becoming a coveted asset across a spectrum of professions. The workforce of tomorrow will demand a diverse skill set that transcends traditional boundaries, merging coding expertise with strategic, design, and managerial competencies.
Tom Davenport, an esteemed professor in information technology, reinforces this viewpoint: "The professional landscape is evolving. Coding is now part of a multidisciplinary toolkit, essential for navigating the complexities of an AI-integrated workplace."
Nexgen’s take: Roles will disappear over the next 10 years but things happen slowly. There are still a great many businesses using paper and systems from the 1960s. Certain industries will lead the way and that is where we will see the role of software developer change. An understanding of technology, systems and architecture will serve one well in this world.
The Future of Coding in a AI-Driven World
As we venture into an era increasingly governed by AI and machine learning, the landscape of coding is set to undergo profound changes. The role of coders is shifting from being the sole architects of software to becoming collaborators and supervisors of intelligent systems.
The Integration of Coding and AI
The integration of AI in coding is not about replacement but about enhancement. AI tools are becoming indispensable assistants, automating routine tasks and allowing coders to focus on more complex and creative aspects of programming. The relationship between coder and AI is symbiotic; each complements the other's strengths.
Nexgen’s take: This is very true! The time it takes to develop system features (something I used to do every day) is probably cut in half right now. Developers should be at least 50% faster with the current toolset. Goodness knows what it is going to be like in as little as 5 years. Maybe ChatGPT will be way better than me in surmising and opining, waxing lyrical, quoting and laying out statistics and predictions. Not sure what my job will be at that point!
The Emergence of New Roles
With the rise of AI in coding, new roles are emerging within the tech industry. These roles blend coding expertise with skills in data analysis, machine learning, and ethical AI implementation. Professionals in these roles are not just coders; they are innovators who use coding as a tool to leverage AI's potential.
The Importance of Understanding Systems
In an AI-augmented coding environment, understanding systems becomes paramount. It’s not enough to know how to write code; coders must understand how their code fits into larger systems, how it interacts with AI algorithms, and the implications of these interactions. This requires a holistic understanding of both technology and the ethical considerations that come with it.
Nexgen’s take: Yes true but that is nothing new. We have been building large, global, multi-channel systems for decades now.
Preparing for the Future
As the boundaries between coding and other disciplines blur, education systems must adapt. Coding education will need to focus not only on teaching programming languages but also on imparting a broader understanding of technology, systems thinking, and the ethical use of AI.
The future of coding is a fusion of human creativity with machine efficiency. It's about understanding the nuances of AI and using this understanding to create technology that is innovative, ethical, and responsive to human needs.
Nexgen’s take: As we alluded to earlier, our biggest concern is that most students here in Australia will never be exposed to the technology that they need to know to compete with their counterparts in neighbouring countries. Will that mean that we won’t be able to fill our own job roles in 10 years? It might! When you look on LinkedIn you see the few superstar teachers posting again and again about AI and how wonderful things are at their schools. They are but a drop in the ocean and the rest aren’t doing so well. It pains me to think of the tech that my 4 kids were exposed to at school - a good department school with a reputation (this makes it even worse!).
In Conclusion
To answer the initial question, "Is Coding Still a Thing?" – Yes, it is more relevant than ever. However, its role is evolving rapidly, and the coders of the future will need to be as adept in system design and AI collaboration as they are in traditional programming. The future of coding is not just about writing code; it's about using code to build smarter, more ethical, and more innovative systems that enhance human potential.
In this ever-changing landscape, one thing remains constant: the need for continuous learning and adaptability. Coding is not just a skill; it's a way of thinking about and interacting with the world, a way that is continuously evolving.
Nexgen’s take: We agree and we hope that we will see the masses (teacher and students) learn how to code and on the part of teachers, learn how to facilitate coding in the classroom and integrate it across the curriculum in interesting, fun and relevant project based learnings.
Authors: ChatGPT 4 & Nexgen Codecamp
