Two Consecutive Weekends with Google’s AI: A Mix of Wonder and Fear

Exploring Google’s AI: A Civil Engineer’s Journey into Tech

For the past two weekends, I’ve embarked on an intriguing adventure with Google’s latest AI model—one that has left me feeling both impressed and a bit unnerved.

A Bit About Me

As a civil engineer with no prior experience in coding or computer science, I was naturally curious about how accessible technology can be for someone in my field. Recently, I took the plunge and obtained a free student license for Google’s new AI model, eager to explore its capabilities. My goal was simple: I wanted to create a small application to help me track my minor projects and their financial aspects.

The Challenge

I envisioned a tool with basic functionalities like charts and project health monitoring. While there are existing software solutions that serve this purpose, I wanted to design something tailored to my specific needs and preferences.

This past weekend, I dedicated about eight hours to my endeavor. I treated the AI as if it were a team of skilled developers, conversing with it to outline my requirements. To my amazement, it generated the entire code I needed, instructed me on which programs to download, and guided me on where to input the code.

The Results

I must admit, I was genuinely impressed. For someone with no coding knowledge, I was able to develop a functional application that meets my needs. Though it’s not flawless, it works effectively for my purposes, allowing me to track my projects as I envisioned.

A Note of Concern

However, amid this excitement lies a sense of apprehension. The potential of these AI models is staggering—they are likely to become even more powerful and capable as time goes on. This rapid advancement raises questions about their implications for various job sectors and the future of programming itself.

What’s Next?

As I look ahead, I’m eager to explore the possibilities further. In the coming week, I plan to create additional small-scale applications, delving deeper into the functionalities of this innovative tool.

Closing Thoughts

This journey has highlighted the evolving intersection of technology and everyday professions like civil engineering. With advancements in AI making programming more accessible, the future holds exciting—and perhaps daunting—prospects for professionals in all fields. I’ll keep you updated on my progress as I navigate this fascinating landscape!