11. Calm Down: AI Can’t Write Code, So No Apocalypse Is Near

The Illusion of AI Mastery in Coding: A Candid Reflection

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, concerns about artificial intelligence capabilities—particularly in programming—are all around us. However, based on my recent hands-on experience with two AI tools, ChatGPT and CLAUDE, I can assure you that the apprehension surrounding an impending “AI Apocalypse” is largely unfounded, particularly when it comes to their coding abilities.

My journey began innocently enough. I had a straightforward task: create some graphics for my Substack newsletter. At first, I considered the age-old reliability of PowerPoint. But then, intrigued by the potential of AI, I decided to embark on a coding adventure with CLAUDE to expedite the design process. After all, why not leverage modern technology to save time?

What I anticipated to be a swift task soon morphed into an exhaustive game of whack-a-mole. With every issue we resolved, it seemed another would emerge, twirling into view as if to mock our efforts. I won’t inundate you with the tedious specifics, but suffice it to say that “clusterf**k” may be the most accurate descriptor for the chaos we encountered. Days of frustration culminated in a simple revelation: I could have completed a polished PowerPoint in a mere three hours.

The truth is, our current AI systems resemble novice coders fresh out of boot camp—enthusiastic yet unpolished. There’s potential for growth through processes like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) and continued input from seasoned experts, which suggests a promising future for AI in coding. Yet, for the time being, leaning too heavily on their capabilities is misguided.

Rather than fearing an AI-driven future, I recommend a more relaxed approach. Pour yourself a glass of Scotch, take a couple of aspirin, and perhaps even indulge in a bit of cannabis if that suits you. The reality is that while AI is evolving, the notion that they will soon replace skilled programmers may be more fiction than fact. Embrace the present, and don’t forget to enjoy the creativity and efficiency that human intelligence brings to the table.