The Evolution of Coding: From Craft to AI-Assisted Simplicity
The Original Article: A Coder Considers the Waning Days of the Craft
In an insightful article by James Somers in The New Yorker, the evolving landscape of coding and its intersection with AI is explored through a personal narrative. The author, a seasoned coder, reflects on the transformation of coding from a complex, profoundly engaging craft to a field increasingly dominated by AI tools like GPT-4.
The journey begins with the author’s early fascination with coding, a skill he equates to essential literacy. However, a turning point arrived with AI tools like GPT-4. The author’s friend, Ben, uses GPT-4 as a coding assistant, achieving tasks that once required deep programming knowledge. This shift is not just about efficiency; it’s a fundamental change like coding. Tasks that once demanded intricate understanding and problem-solving can now be accomplished with AI assistance, raising questions about the future role of human coders.
The article delves into the author’s experiences with programming, from childhood curiosity to professional challenges. He reminisces about the days when coding was a gatekept world of knowledge, requiring patience and a deep understanding of complex systems. Yet, with AI’s rise, these barriers are rapidly dissolving. The author compares his experience to that of Lee Sedol, a Go champion who faced a similar paradigm shift due to AI.
The narrative is about the technical aspects of coding and its emotional and intellectual appeal. The author discusses the joy of solving intricate problems and the satisfaction of creating something functional and elegant. However, with AI’s increasing capabilities, he questions what remains for human coders. The article suggests that while AI may enhance certain aspects of coding, it also risks diminishing the craft’s essence.
In conclusion, the article doesn’t provide definitive answers but invites readers to ponder the future of coding in an AI-dominated world. It’s a contemplation of change, nostalgia for a craft evolving beyond recognition, and an exploration of what it means to be a coder in the age of AI.