Nvidia CEO Advises Against Learning to Code: Is Coding Still a Worthwhile Skill to Learn?

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the evolving role of programming and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of coding. It explores the perspectives of industry leaders like Jensen Huang and Sam Altman, who suggest that AI will transform the programming landscape, making it more accessible to a broader range of people. The article also acknowledges the concerns around AI's limitations and the ongoing need for human developers, even as AI assistants become more prominent in code generation.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Evolving Role of Programming

1. What are the two trajectories that technologies from 50 years ago have followed?

• Technologies have either evolved to keep pace with modern times or have vanished into obscurity.

2. How does the article describe the first programmable mechanical computer introduced in 1938?

• The first programmable mechanical computer had limited operational capabilities due to memory constraints and was too heavy to be housed in homes or workplaces today.

3. What does the article say about the practice of speculating about the future of computing and its interaction with humanity?

• The practice of speculating about the future of computing has a long history, continues in the present, and is expected to persist into the future. It captivates people and sparks endless debates among proponents and detractors.

4. What does the article say about Arthur C. Clarke's description of this practice?

• Arthur C. Clarke described the practice of speculating about the future as a "discouraging and hazardous occupation."

[02] Jensen Huang's Perspective on the Future of Programming

1. What is Jensen Huang's view on the need for everyone to learn computer science and programming?

• Jensen Huang believes that the future of computing should be such that nobody has to program, and the programming language should be human. He argues that with the advent of artificial intelligence, everyone in the world is now a programmer.

2. How does the article respond to Jensen Huang's perspective?

• The article does not entirely agree with Jensen Huang's view, stating that studying programming is a way to uncover basic solutions and nurture decision-making skills. It suggests that programming, like other disciplines, will be impacted by AI, but there will still be a need for developers to continue building more and superior models or software.

[03] The Evolving Role of Programmers

1. What does the article say about the role of AI in programming?

• The article suggests that the role of AI in programming is poised for transformation, with AI serving as a catalyst for progress in this arena. It notes that a large portion of future code development is likely to be powered by AI rather than human-written code.

2. How does the article respond to the view that programmers as we know them may no longer exist within 5 years?

• The article acknowledges this view, expressed by Emad Mostaque, CEO and Co-Founder of Stability AI, but suggests that programming as we know it is unlikely to disappear in the next 3 to 5 years. It questions whether we'll even be using a computer in 20 years, hinting at the possibility of further evolution in the way we interact with technology.

3. What does the article say about the evolution of programming languages and their accessibility over time?

• The article notes that programming languages have become more accessible and inclusive over time, making the act of coding more enticing for a broader range of people. It suggests that the current wave of code AI assistants is setting the trend in the transformation of how people write code.

4. What are the limitations of AI in code generation that the article highlights?

• The article acknowledges that current AI models are still prone to errors and lack control over their responses, as evidenced by the controversy surrounding the Google Gemini incident. It also notes that producing high-quality code on the first try is a challenge due to the complexity or volume of code required for a project.

5. What is the article's conclusion about the role of programmers in the face of AI advancements?

• The article concludes that AI will not make programmers obsolete but will represent the next layer of abstraction in coding, making the interaction between humans and machines even smoother. It suggests that learning to program will remain important, just as AI art has not stopped enthusiasts in the field of art from painting, drawing, or creating.