Where Should a Beginner Programmer Go in the Age of AI?
The world of development is changing rapidly, and artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of our daily work. AI is taking over more and more routine tasks, leading us to ponder: what will be left for us, humans?
What’s important now?
In the past, we learned programming languages, frameworks, and libraries, memorizing tons of syntax. But now, with information just a few seconds away on the internet, the value of rote memorization has diminished. Understanding concepts is far more important.
Conceptual understanding: Strive to understand how things work, not just what they do. For example, instead of memorizing HTML and CSS syntax, dive into DevOps. This will help you understand how individual code pieces come together to form a complete application. And I'm not saying you shouldn't learn HTML and CSS, but rather that you can dedicate no more than a week to learning their core concepts and practicing generating necessary templates using the right prompts.
Here’s a key question for a budding developer: frontend or backend?
I recommend not choosing. Start with full-stack development. Only by understanding how both worlds interact can you create a complete application. Why? Because you can’t enjoy a beautiful interface if there’s no logic behind it. My principle: theory is good, but practice is better. Jump straight into your project, even if it’s small.
For example, try creating a simple blog using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js). This will allow you to master the basics of both frontend and backend.
Don’t be afraid to jump straight into practice. Create your own small project. Theory is important, but practical experience is invaluable.
So, what’s important now?
Conceptual understanding: Strive to understand how things work, not just what they do.
Analytical skills: AI generates code, but humans must manage it and make decisions. Learn to analyze information, ask the right questions, and find optimal solutions.
Creativity: AI is good at solving standard problems, but non-standard ones require a human touch. Develop your creativity, come up with new ideas, and look for unconventional approaches to problem-solving.
A real-world example:
You've probably heard about Elon Musk buying Twitter. It's a web service, but the app itself has ceased to be of significant value. The app's code can be found online, and creating a clone would be easy. However, your clone wouldn't be worth anything, even if it looked identical. Why? Because the main difference is the number of people involved in the phenomenon called Twitter. Nobody needs a second Twitter. This applies to any similar services and applications where you can only be number one or nothing. It's not just about creating something, but about engaging as many people as possible.
What's next?
Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own projects. Even if they don't become super popular, you'll gain invaluable experience. Remember, the most important thing is continuous development and a desire to learn new things.
Times are changing rapidly, and the value of what people need to remember and keep in mind is decreasing. At the same time, the importance of conceptual understanding and the ability to recognize value is increasing. Develop these skills, learn to work with AI, and don't be afraid of innovation. The world of programming is full of opportunities, and your future is in your hands!
Example of my project aimed at developing horizontal connections and interactions in a hierarchically stuck society: infometka.com
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