As I write this blog, there is a surge of AI tools, especially for Software Development. While that trend is something that needs to be embraced, the need to learn basic programming language methodically cannot be ignored. One needs to get a strong understanding of programming concepts outlined below; then, a developer can take assistance from AI tools for building scaffolding for building software or to get specific code snippets that save type keying-in code.
Below is the list of foundational programming elements that need to be mastered if one needs to get a good understanding of any programming language before moving to using AI tools.
- Language Syntax
- Variable Declarations and Data Types
- Operations (Logical, Assignment, Comparison, etc.)
- Built-in Functions
- Conditional Constructs
- Loops
- User-Defined Functions
- Data Structures like Lists and Dictionaries
- Understanding Variable/Object Scope
- Error Handling
- Using External Libraries/Packages and Modules
- Miscellaneous (Memory Management, Comments, etc.)
Once you’ve mastered the Core Language Elements and Advanced Language Aspects, you can then specialize. Depending on your project’s needs or your personal aspirations, choose to learn the specific packages and modules built for:
- Automation (General and Infrastructure)
- Data Engineering
- AI/Machine Learning
- Application Development (Web and Cross-Platform UI)
Why Developers should not rely fully on Generative AI
- Even if an AI writes code for you, you’re responsible for making sure it works correctly. If you don’t understand basic programming, you won’t be able to tell if the AI made a mistake, or how to fix it when it does. Think of it like a smart assistant writing a report for you—you still need to read it and check for errors before you submit it.
- AI tools are powerful, but they’re not mind-readers. To get the specific code you need, you have to tell the AI exactly what you want it to do. This requires you to think like a programmer, breaking down problems into logical steps, which is exactly what foundational programming teaches you. If you can’t describe the logic, the AI won’t know what to generate.
- AI is great for generating small pieces of code or “snippets.” However, most real-world software is a lot more complex than a few lines of code. Building a complete, working application involves designing how different parts fit together, managing data, and ensuring everything communicates correctly. This “big picture” thinking and problem-solving is something humans excel at, and it relies on a deep understanding of programming principles, not just getting code snippets.
- The basics of programming (like variables, loops, and functions) are pretty much the same across different programming languages and tools. If you learn these core concepts well, you’ll find it much easier to pick up new languages or AI tools as they emerge. It’s like learning the fundamental rules of driving; once you know them, you can drive different cars, even if they have slightly different features.