The article responds to claims that artificial intelligence could make programming skills obsolete by arguing that coding is only one part of computer science. While AI can generate code and automate many programming tasks, it cannot replace the deeper skills that computer science education develops, such as computational thinking, problem-solving, abstraction, and systems design. Prof. Hahn contends that these foundational capabilities remain essential for understanding, evaluating, and directing AI-generated solutions.

Prof. Hahn explains that AI-generated code is constrained by the quality and specificity of the prompts it receives. Human expertise is still needed to define problems accurately, verify outputs, identify errors, and ensure that software is secure, reliable, and aligned with real-world needs. Rather than replacing programmers, AI should be viewed as a powerful assistant that enhances productivity while leaving humans responsible for critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making.

Looking ahead, the article argues that education should evolve alongside AI instead of abandoning coding altogether. Students should continue learning programming while also developing skills in AI literacy, ethics, collaboration, and analytical reasoning. By combining human judgment with AI capabilities, future professionals will be better equipped to solve complex problems and drive innovation in an AI-enabled world