With the rise of AI, it might seem pointless to learn how to code in 2024. Why even bother? The barrier to entry for calling yourself a “software engineer” has certainly lowered over the years, making it much more accessible than before. It's much easier now than it was decades ago. I should know; I have firsthand experience attempting to acquire these skills at different points in my life. My first encounter with coding, specifically with the C programming language,
was a real kick in the face. I was gifted a programming book many birthdays ago, and it was quite the experience. I think I managed to get through chapter one before throwing in the towel. That was my first real lesson in coding, whether I realized it at the time or not. Coding requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Forever with the learning, you ask?
Why even bother learning to code, especially now, in the golden age of AI? Here are some perfectly 'good' reasons to steer clear of coding in 2024:
If You Enjoy Being a Digital Dinosaur: In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, staying oblivious to the basics
of coding ensures you maintain a pristine, prehistoric charm. There's a certain respect for the person still rocking a flip phone, isn't there? Embrace your inner dinosaur and watch the digital age pass you by with a bemused smile.
If You Thrive on Dependence: Why bother solving problems when you can wait for someone else to do it? After all, dependency has its own charm. Take, for example, my father, a machinist who reluctantly upskilled to Windows as his plant transitioned to a Windows-based system. He managed quite well until one day, when his computer wouldn't respond, and his personal IT department (yours truly) wasn't available. A tech charged him a hefty fee just to plug in his PC. Perhaps a bit more familiarity with technology could have saved him both the hassle and the expense.
Caption: Tech Passing you by If You Adore Missing Out: The thrill of watching opportunities pass you by because you can't understand or create technology must be exhilarating. I often tell my kids that the world they live in is an illusion crafted by technology. Understanding technology at more than just a basic level begins to unlock doors that many never even realize exist. Beyond these doors, you'll find a community of passionate and equally dedicated individuals. This deeper knowledge not only opens up a myriad of additional career opportunities but also expands the horizon of what one can dream of achieving. It grants individuals a broader choice and range in their professional and personal pursuits, liberating them from the constraints of conventional platforms and enabling them to navigate and shape the digital landscape with confidence and creativity.
If You Relish Being Outpaced by Technology: Enjoy the thrill of technology advancing beyond your understanding? There's a unique joy in realizing that the world has moved on to quantum computing while you're still marveling at the wonders of the calculator watch. After all, who needs to be at the forefront of innovation when you can live in the nostalgia of tech antiquity?
Keeping it real, though, there is a deeper truth that is hard to ignore: the digital world is here. Coding literacy will always be important, whether the machines are writing the bulk of it or not. Humans will have to integrate systems to solve more and more complex problems. Having a basic understanding of the various software that touches our lives so deeply will become more and more relevant. So, why not take the leap? Dive into the world of coding and equip yourself with the skills to navigate, innovate, and shape the future of this digital era. Don't just be a spectator in the technological revolution—be an active participant. Start your coding journey today and unlock a universe of possibilities that awaits
