Re: Programming Is Becoming Prompting

Source: Dev.to

Introduction

I originally posted this on my blog in response to Leon Martin’s article “Programming Is Becoming Prompting.”

Leon Martin’s Main Points

• “When you start writing prompts instead of functions, you stop flexing those problem‑solving muscles that got you into programming in the first place.”
• “Knowing how to code is still the superpower. The prompt is just a shortcut.”

The Impact of AI on Coding

• The barrier to entry for coding continues to drop. A few years ago the “Learn to Code” movement was the buzz; today, with AI, anyone can generate working code with just a paragraph of description.
• Using tools like GitHub Copilot can be tempting, but over‑reliance may erode fundamental problem‑solving skills.

“AI is just like calculators in math class. You could have the most powerful calculator in your hands during an exam, but if you don’t know what you want to compute, it’s useless.”

“AI is like an Iron Man suit. It still needs Tony Stark inside it to save the day.”

Building Strong Coding Foundations

1. Develop debugging skills – learn to trace and fix errors without assistance.
2. Practice problem‑solving – tackle algorithmic challenges manually before automating.
3. Communicate clearly – write clean, well‑documented code that conveys intent.

Further Reading

If you want a practical guide to sharpen your coding abilities, check out Street‑Smart Coding: 30 Ways to Get Better at Coding. The book mixes conventional advice, hard‑earned lessons, and a few unconventional tips—everything battle‑tested.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the balance between AI assistance and core programming skills.