Don't encourage kids to code, says Nvidia CEO

AI threatens the future of coding

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has said that children should no longer be encouraged to learn to code, because AI may already be jeopardising a career in the field.

Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Huang's remarks shed light on the ramifications of AI's spread across various sectors.

He pointed out that generative AI could make traditional coding roles obsolete, as algorithms gain the ability to autonomously generate code and perform complex programming tasks.

"Over the last 10-15 years, almost everybody who sits on a stage like this would tell you that it is vital that your children learn computer science, everybody should learn how to program. And in fact, it's almost exactly the opposite," he said.

"It is our job to create computing technology such that nobody has to program, and that the programming language is human. Everybody in the world is now a programmer. This is the miracle of AI."

Huang said younger people aspiring to pursue careers in technology should consider alternative fields such as biology, education, manufacturing or farming (neatly ignoring the fact that you can work in technology without knowing how to code).

Huang's comments come as generative AI technologies are demonstrating huge advances in software development and natural language processing.

These advancements raise questions about the future role of human programmers in a world increasingly governed by AI.

Huang painted a vision of a future where programming languages are rendered obsolete, replaced by AI-powered systems capable of understanding and executing commands in human language.

He envisioned a world where everyone, regardless of technical background, could use AI to create and innovate.

Upskilling becomes more important

Despite the potential threat to coding careers, Huang offered a glimmer of hope for those willing and able to adapt. He highlighted the importance of upskilling and retraining, enabling professionals to navigate the shifting technological landscape and remain competitive.

"It is vital that we upskill everyone, and the upskilling process, I believe, will be delightful [and] surprising to realise that this computer can perform all of these things you're instructing it to do and doing it so easily."

Huang's remarks ignited spirited debate among industry experts and educators.

While some applauded his forward-thinking approach to leveraging AI, others were sceptical, citing the enduring demand for skilled programmers and the limitations of AI in certain domains.

John Carmack, former CTO at Oculus VR and co-founder Id Software, echoed Huang's sentiments, stressing that problem-solving skills are more valuable than coding proficiency.

"Coding was never the source of value, and people shouldn't get overly attached to it. Problem solving is the core skill," Carmack commented on X.

"The discipline and precision demanded by traditional programming will remain valuable transferable attributes, but they won't be a barrier to entry," Carmack added.

Tech industry analyst Patrick Moorhead weighed in on the debate, cautioning against dismissing the importance of coding based on optimistic projections about AI's capabilities.

"For over 30 years, I've heard 'XYZ will kill coding' yet we still don't have enough programmers," Moorhead said.

He enumerated various programming languages and tools that were once predicted to render coding obsolete, yet ultimately failed to do so.

Computing says:

Huang and Carmack make good points that coding has never been the point - outcomes are. If AI can code better and more effectively than a human then on that front, so much the better.

But, AI will not and cannot kill coding. Even if every company in the world adopts AI coding tools and every professional programmer retrains, passionate amateurs will still exist simply for the love of the work.

Think of it this way: If I want cupcakes, I can go and buy them from a store. That doesn't kill off my love of baking.