Is it still worth learning coding today with AI taking over?

Posted by 1_scientist1007@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 15 comments

Lately, I've been really thinking about something important: is it still worth learning how to code for 2026? It feels like everywhere I look, people are talking about these AI tools that can write code, find bugs, and even build entire applications with very little human help.

This really makes me wonder if our coding skills might not be as valuable in the future.I mean, for example, AI can already generate code much faster than someone new to coding, and sometimes even faster than experienced developers. Plus, these tools are getting so good at automating all the repetitive tasks we used to do. Some folks are even saying that because of this, there might be fewer jobs for junior developers.But then, on the other hand, I also hear that you really need a good grasp of coding to properly use AI and actually create useful things. so, I'm genuinely confused: Is it still a smart decision to spend time learning to code right now? Or should someone just focus on getting really good at using AI tools instead?I'd genuinely love to hear some honest thoughts on this, especially from those of you already working in the tech industry.

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Outrageous_Duck3227@reddit

learn to code, then use ai as power tools on top of that, not instead of it. if you can’t read or reason about code the ai spits out, you’re useless. good devs just got faster. juniors are definitely getting screwed though, jobs are a pain to find now

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1_scientist1007@reddit (OP)

The part about juniors getting screwed is what worries me, seriously. If entry-level roles shrink, then how are people even supposed to become good devs in the first place? Do you think the path just shifts now? Like more self-learning, building projects, or freelancing instead of relying on traditional junior roles? Or is it just straight up harder to break in now?

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thetrailofthedead@reddit

The entire industry is experiencing a transition.

It's difficult to say right now where it will land and no one could promise you if and when it will get better for entry level.

There's a version of the future where developers are in even higher demand, because, armed with AI, they provide significantly higher value. This could happen if the demand for software is elastic.

There's alsi a version of the future where the supply of devs increases greatly because the barrier for building software is lowered.

I tend to think that, generally, learning technology is the right move when it seems like the entire world will become even more dependent on it.

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xian0@reddit

Most people end up programming via the Computer Science route, which is a much broader thing with lots more going on. The coding aspect is relatively trivial (it's like a mathematician fussing over notation) so you should be able to pivot whatever happens.

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Gnaxe@reddit

Consider which sub you're asking. Then read about why we're not allowed to use Mythos.

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1_scientist1007@reddit (OP)

totally agreed w wt it says...The AI is powerful, but also dangerous if you don’t actually understand what it’s doing

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Prestigious_Tax2069@reddit

Coding is still useful, but it’s just one piece. The real value is in thinking like software engineer, sys design, problem solving, systems

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plastikmissile@reddit

We've had ready made frozen food for a long time now. Has that abolished the job of chefs or even short order cooks?

The effectiveness of AI when it comes to coding has been way overblown by people who have no deep technical experience, and are wowed by the simple things AI accomplishes today (and in the foreseeable future).

So yeah, it's still worth it to learn programming.

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1_scientist1007@reddit (OP)

ahhhh....its valid and totally makes sense...and im confused w where to start coding..about what programming language is beginner friendly...Instead of just writing code, it’s more about problem-solving, system design, and knowing how to use AI effectively.

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plastikmissile@reddit

If I were you, I would go through Harvard's CS50. It's a free college-level intro course into computer science. Yes it teaches coding (in more than one language), but more importantly gives you a quick primer into the main principles of computer science, which are actually more important than choice of programming language.

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1_scientist1007@reddit (OP)

thanks for suggestion...i will surely look into it

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Sprinkler-of-salt@reddit

Yes