Programming: An Essential Skill or Relic of the Past in the AI Era?

Samuel Fernández Lorenzo
Jul 21
3 min read

"One and Three Chairs" by Joseph Kosuth: This conceptual work shows a real chair, a photograph of the same chair, and the dictionary definition of "chair," representing three different ways of referring to the same concept, similar to how different languages describe the same reality. — "**One and Three Chairs" by Joseph Kosuth**: This conceptual work shows a real chair, a photograph of the same chair, and the dictionary definition of "chair," representing three different ways of referring to the same concept, similar to how different languages describe the same reality.

In a world where artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, a question resonates with increasing force: is learning to program still necessary? This is not a trivial question. When Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, declares that "it is our job to create computing technology such that nobody has to program and that the programming language is human," it seems we are witnessing the beginning of the end of programming as a key skill.

But should we really uninstall our Visual Studio and forget about learning Python, JavaScript, or any other programming language?

An Overly Naive Vision

The vision that programming will become obsolete is intended to convince those who praise AI as the solution to all human problems. This position seems to ignore that, typically, a skill acquired in a particular field has utility that transcends that field. We don't approach the world with isolated compartments of disconnected skills! Let's be generous and concede that, indeed, one day computers might perform any programming task without human intervention. Let's even imagine they do it better than any human programmer. Does this mean that learning to program lacks value? Absolutely not.

Language as a Lens to See the World

Think about how we understand the world: through language. The words we use, the way we structure our sentences, all of this shapes our way of thinking and experiencing reality. Each language we learn gives us a new perspective, a new "worldview" with its own templates for interpreting our surroundings.

Have you ever noticed how certain concepts are easier to express in one language than another? It's no coincidence. When we learn a new language, we inherit cognitive tools that store intelligence in themselves.

Programming: A Formal Language with Precise Rules

Programming languages are not mere technical tools; they are formal languages with an alphabet, syntax, and precise rules. Unlike our everyday conversations, where ambiguity is tolerated and even welcomed for artistic purposes, programming demands absolute precision. A misplaced period, and the entire system can fail.

This precision, far from being a limitation, is a form of mental discipline that teaches us to think with clarity and rigor. When we program, we are forced to break down complex problems into simple, logical steps, to anticipate possible errors, and to find elegant solutions.

The Cognitive Enrichment of Languages

Imagine a Spanish child growing up in a world where translation technology allows them to communicate perfectly in English without needing to learn it. Would it be sensible to advise them never to bother studying English? Of course not. Learning a new language goes far beyond mere practical communication.

As a speaker of Spanish and English, I can assure you that mastering both languages has enriched my way of thinking and expressing myself in each of them. And if this occurs between two natural languages, imagine the cognitive leap involved in moving from a natural language to a formal one like programming!

Beyond Direct Practical Utility

Giving up programming is not simply dispensing with a technical skill; it is depriving oneself of a unique way of structuring thought, of approaching complex problems, and of understanding how the technology that surrounds us works.

Even in a future where AI can write code better than we can, those who understand the principles of programming will have a cognitive advantage. They will be able to communicate more effectively with these tools, understand their limitations, and maximize their potential.

Conclusion

So, to the question of whether we should forget about programming in the era of language models, my answer is a resounding no. Programming is not just a technical skill; it is a way of thinking, a mental discipline, and a window to new perspectives.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, understanding the fundamental principles of programming will not make us less dependent on AI, but more capable of harnessing it and directing it where we want to go. It's not about competing with machines on their turf, but complementing them with our unique human capabilities.

What about you? Do you think programming will remain relevant in the future? I'd love to hear your opinion in the comments.