A Civil Engineer’s Journey with Google’s AI Model: Balancing Awe and Unease

Recently, I embarked on an intriguing journey with Google’s latest AI model over the course of two weekends. The experience has left me both captivated and apprehensive.

Let me provide some context. My background is in civil engineering, specifically in design and management, and I lack any formal training in coding or computer science. With an eagerness to explore the capabilities of emerging technologies, I signed up for a complimentary student license to experiment with this innovative AI tool.

My primary objective was straightforward: I wanted to determine whether someone with no coding experience could successfully utilize this tool to build a small application for tracking my modest-scale projects. My needs were simple—just some basic charts and finance tracking, along with the ability to monitor project health. Although there are existing software solutions that serve this purpose, I desired a tailored application that would meet my specific requirements.

During my first weekend of exploration, I dedicated approximately eight hours to engaging with the AI model as if I were collaborating with a team of developers. To my astonishment, the AI generated entire code segments for me, guided me on which programs to install, and indicated where to insert the code.

This achievement was nothing short of remarkable. I managed to create a small application without any prior coding knowledge. While it may not be flawless, it functions effectively according to my specifications.

However, this newfound capability also brought about a sense of trepidation. The potential of these AI models is both exciting and disconcerting. It is clear that they will continue to advance, raising questions about the future of coding and application development as we know it.

Looking ahead, I plan to develop additional small-scale applications in the coming week, excited yet cautious about what I will uncover.

If anyone has suggestions or tips, feel free to share! I look forward to learning more and seeing just how much I can accomplish with this powerful tool.