The Reality Check: Why AI Isn’t Ready to Take Over Coding Just Yet

As someone who recently embarked on an ambitious project involving AI technology, I feel compelled to share my experience to demystify some common misconceptions about AI and coding. Over the past week, I engaged with two popular AI tools, ChatGPT and CLAUDE, hoping to expedite the creation of graphic files for my Substack newsletter. What began as a simple idea quickly spiraled into an unforeseen challenge akin to a wackamole game, highlighting just how far we have to go before artificial intelligence can reliably assist in coding tasks.

Initially, I considered utilizing PowerPoint to create my graphics, estimating a few hours of work. But in the spirit of innovation, I decided to leverage AI in hopes of saving time and effort. Little did I know, this decision would lead me into a labyrinth of complications. Each time we attempted to solve one issue, a new cluster of problems emerged, reminiscent of a chaotic programming session with a novice coder on their first assignment.

After days of trying to tame these AI tools to produce professional-quality graphics, I ultimately gave up and returned to the familiarity of PowerPoint. To my surprise, I completed the task in just over three hours—far more efficiently than any AI-enhanced effort could muster.

It’s clear that today’s AI systems possess capabilities comparable to a rookie programmer navigating their first project. While advancements in Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) and AI-generated feedback are on the horizon, these tools are not yet equipped to handle complex coding tasks with the finesse required for professional work.

The fear surrounding AI’s potential to replace human jobs, particularly in programming, may be exaggerated or even driven by unscrupulous influencers seeking to capitalize on these anxieties. Instead of succumbing to worry or dread, consider pausing to evaluate the situation. Sometimes, a little humor can go a long way—so pour yourself a glass of Scotch, take a breather, and feel free to call me in the morning. Perhaps even indulge in some Cannabis; why not?

In conclusion, while the prospects of improved AI are exciting, for now, we’re still far from handing over the keys to our coding tasks. Embrace the journey of creation—with or without artificial assistance, and remember that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.