VS Code is the new punch card
The article discusses the evolution of programming and the impact of AI on the field. It compares the current state of coding with historical methods, emphasizing that while tools have changed, the essence of software engineering remains. The author argues that the rise of AI should not diminish the importance of foundational programming knowledge.
- ▪Programming has evolved from manual methods like punch cards to modern text editors and AI tools.
- ▪The transition from low-level programming to higher-level abstractions has been gradual and significant.
- ▪The rise of AI in coding does not eliminate the need for understanding fundamental programming concepts.
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VS Code Is the New Punch CardPT | EN.lang-toggle-link{text-decoration:none;color:#6b7280;font-weight:500}.lang-toggle-link:hover{color:#3b82f6}.lang-toggle-active{color:#1f2937;font-weight:700;border-bottom:1px solid}.dark .lang-toggle-active{color:#f3f4f6}April 11, 2026 · 💬 Join the DiscussionIf you're lazy, click here for the TL;DREvery time someone asks whether juniors are going to stop learning how to program because LLMs can write code for them, I have the same reaction: you’re asking the wrong question.You’re confusing code input with software engineering.Those are not the same thing. They never were.There was a time when programming meant knowing how to convert numbers into binary in your head and jam instructions straight into memory addresses, bit by bit, by hand.
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