Why You Can Breathe Easy: The Reality of AI’s Coding Capabilities

In recent days, I’ve found myself navigating a peculiar landscape dominated by two AI companions: ChatGPT and CLAUDE. What began as a straightforward endeavor to create graphic files for Substack quickly spiraled into a captivating yet frustrating experience. Initially, I contemplated utilizing PowerPoint to complete the task—a process that typically takes a few hours. However, I couldn’t resist the allure of testing my luck with an AI-driven approach: “Why not give it a shot?”

What unfolded was a rather chaotic journey as Claude and I set out to craft a stunning and professional array of graphics. I was thrilled at the prospect of dramatically reducing my workload. Little did I know, this endeavor would turn into a relentless game of whack-a-mole, where addressing one issue only led to a new wave of complications. A variety of colorful language could describe my experience, but let’s just say “CLUSTER***K” sums it up nicely. After several days of navigating this tumultuous sea of glitches, I ultimately found solace in the simplicity of my original plan, successfully crafting a polished PowerPoint in just over three hours.

The truth is, the current capabilities of AI in coding resemble those of a novice coder on their very first assignment. While it’s true that advancements like Reinforcement Learning from AI-generated Feedback (RLHF and RLHF-AI) are gradually improving their abilities, we are still a long way from AI mastering coding to the extent that some might fear. Yes, efforts from human experts will undoubtedly enhance automated coding systems in the future, but today’s existential anxieties surrounding AI’s potential are largely unfounded—or perhaps a marketing tactic by those with something to sell.

So, rather than succumbing to anxiety over the so-called ‘AI Apocalypse,’ consider this: pour yourself a glass of Scotch, take a couple of aspirins, and reinforce this with a bit of humor. A little cannabis might also add to the chill, but ultimately, there’s no need for concern about AI taking over coding anytime soon. Embrace the technology, but remember to keep your expectations in check!