Exploring Google’s AI: A Civil Engineer’s Journey into Code-Free Development

Over the past two weekends, I embarked on an eye-opening journey with Google’s cutting-edge AI model. The experience has been nothing short of astonishing—and, admittedly, a bit daunting.

My Background: A Beginner’s Perspective

To provide some context, I’m a civil engineer specializing in design and project management. Unlike many who delve into the world of technology, my background lacks any formal coding or computer science education. Recently, I decided to take advantage of a free student license for the latest Google AI model, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore its capabilities.

The Challenge: Building a Custom Application

I was particularly interested in discovering whether someone with no programming experience could build a functional application using this new tool. My goal was simple: to create a basic program that would help me manage and track my small-scale projects. I envisioned a straightforward application that included financial tracking and project health monitoring—not reinventing the wheel, just tailoring existing functionality to better suit my needs.

The Experience: AI as My Coding Partner

Over the course of around eight hours last weekend, I engaged with the AI model as if it were a team of skilled developers. To my amazement, it generated entire segments of code, guided me on which software to download, and provided clear instructions on where to implement the code. The sense of achievement was profound; I managed to create a functional program without any prior coding knowledge.

While the application isn’t flawless—it could certainly use further refinement—it serves its purpose well enough for me. It reflects my own design preferences and project requirements, which is a gratifying realization.

The Duality of Progress: Impressed and Alarmed

Despite my excitement, I can’t help but feel a bit of trepidation regarding the rapid advancements of AI models like this one. Their potential for improvement seems limitless, and as they evolve, the implications for various industries become increasingly complex and, in some cases, worrisome.

Looking Ahead: More Projects on the Horizon

As I continue this exploration, I plan to develop additional small-scale applications in the coming week. My experience so far convinces me that the opportunities for leveraging AI in everyday tasks are just beginning to be tapped, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes me next.

In conclusion, my recent engagement with Google’s AI model has opened my eyes to the possibilities that technology holds—not just for professionals with technical backgrounds, but for