Teaching computer programming in the age of AI

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Article : “Coding is dead”? Teaching computer programming in the age of AI
Author :  Craig McNeile, University of Plymouth

Summary : Despite claims that "coding is dead" due to AI, computer programming is not obsolete; instead, the way it is taught must evolve.

• The AI Shift: AI tools excel at writing small blocks of code, explaining errors, and acting as 24/7 tutors, which boosts student motivation. However, they struggle with massive, complex codebases and local software setups.
  
• The Danger of Over-Reliance: Students must still learn foundational coding. Without understanding the basics, they cannot effectively evaluate or debug AI-generated code.
  
• The New Curriculum: Teaching must shift from memorizing syntax to building test cases, evaluating code coverage, and explaining logic to instructors.
  

Ultimately, AI will not replace programmers; it is a productivity tool that requires developers to focus on higher-level thinking and rigorous testing.

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