Should we still Learn to Code in the Age of AI?

With the rise of artificial intelligence, especially tools that can generate code in seconds, many people are starting to wonder: if it still worth learning how to code?

Its a valid question. After all, we are witnessing AI systems that can create entire websites, generate mobile apps and even write tests and documentation. The speed and accuracy are impressive. But despite all the progress, the answer is still YES! Learning to code is more important than ever. Whats changing, however, is why we learn it and how we apply it.

AI is a Tool, not a Replacement!
AI can generate code, yes. But generating code is just one part of building software. There is still so much that goes into understanding a problem, designing a solution, choosing the right tools, ensuring quality, maintaining the system, and so on. These parts require human judgement, creativity and experience.

Even when AI gives you a working solution, you need to understand what that solution does. Is it secure? Is it efficient? Can it scale? Can it integrate well with the rest of your system? Without a solid understanding of how code works, you are just copying answers without knowing if they are correct or safe.

Understanding Code Means Understanding the System
Code is the language that powers the digital world. Learning it isnt just about writing lines of syntax; its about understanding how systems work. Even if AI writes most of your code, you need to understand how different parts of a system interact. You need to know where things can break and how to fix them. Debugging is a critical skill and you cant debug something you dont understand.

When something doesnt work, AI might not always give you the right fix. But if you know how to code, you can dig into the problem and solve it yourself.

Its about problem solving, not just typing code
One of the most valuable skills you gain when learning to code is problem-solving. You learn how to break down complex problems, analyse patterns, think logically and create structured solutions. These skills apply far beyond writing code. Whether youre building a tech product, designing a process at work, or even planning an event, the way a programmer thinks can help you get better at solving real-world problems.

The Human Role is Shifting
AI is taking over the more repetitive parts of coding. Tasks like generating boilerplate code, writing simple CRUD applications, and creating basic unit tests are now much easier with tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, ChatGpt. But that does not mean the human developer is no longer needed. Instead, the role is evolving.

Developers today are expected to think more strategically. That means understanding how to design systems, how to prioritize features, how to balance speed with security and how to create user experiences that actually work for people. These are not things AI can fully handle. It can support the process, but it still needs direction and oversight. And that oversight can only come from people who understand how the technology works.

So What Should We Focus on When Learning?
Its no longer about memorizing syntax or building calculators as assignments. Whats more valuable is learning how to:

• Analyze problems and translate them into solutions
• Build software thats scalable, secure and maintainable.
• Collaborate with others to build bigger systems
• Think critically about how tech affects users and society

If you are just getting started, dont let AI intimidate you. Instead, use it as a tool to accelerate your learning. Ask it questions, let it explain unfamiliar code to you and learn by tweaking what it gives you. But always aim to understand the logic behind it.

Not learning to code in this AI driven era is like not learning to read when printing press was invented! You dont need to become the best software engineer in the world. But if you want to remain relevant, creative and in control of the tools shaping the futre, having a solid grasp of how code works is essential.

AI might be writing more code now, but people who know how and why to code are the ones shaping the direction of the future. Thats where the real power lies.