Should you still learn to code?

I'm regularly asked whether it's worth learning to code. I used to systematically answer yes. I'd even prescribe a couple of Python exercises to get started.

But that was before 2023, with the first serious version of ChatGPT.

Coding is no longer very useful in itself

Now, coding in itself isn't very useful anymore. AIs know the syntax, the languages, the basic algorithms. Why waste time doing slightly better what a machine can produce?

Our added value lies elsewhere:

• Understanding software structures
• The technical implications of chosen solutions
• The ability to evaluate whether an approach is the right one

Reading code: the new superpower

For that, knowing how to read code has become a superpower.

From there, you can iterate quickly with AI:

• See how the code is structured
• Refactor heavy parts
• Switch to a more suitable solution

Basically, leverage AI to move in the right direction without getting bogged down in semicolons and other language quirks.

TL;DR

Writing code is good. Reading it is better.

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Originally published on LinkedIn.