If I had to learn to code from scratch in 2025 (with and against AI)

If I Had to Learn to Code from Scratch in 2025 (With and Against AI)

Learning to code in 2025 is very different from what we knew 10 or even 5 years ago. With AI transforming our industry at a breakneck pace, here’s how I’d approach learning to code today:

The advantages of learning to code WITH AI:
1️⃣ Accelerated learning: Tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI assistants can act as mentors available 24/7. They debug your code, help you understand concepts, and let you prototype faster.
2️⃣ Focus on logic and creativity: AI handles repetitive tasks, allowing you to concentrate on solving real problems, designing solid architectures, and creating innovative solutions.
3️⃣ Immediate access to technical expertise: No need to spend hours searching on Stack Overflow—one simple question to an AI can unblock you.

But beware: learning WITH AI also means learning TO navigate its limitations.
The drawbacks and risks I see:
⚠️ Loss of deep skills: Relying too much on AI can prevent you from developing a real understanding of code, which can become an issue when debugging or optimizing complex solutions.
⚠️ End of low-value jobs: Say goodbye to small freelance gigs on platforms like codeur.com, where you’re just asked to add a button to a page (and honestly, that's not a bad thing). These simple tasks will increasingly be automated, and competition for small projects will be fierce.
⚠️ Tool dependency: If you learn by relying exclusively on AI, what happens if the tools are unavailable or perform poorly in certain contexts?

My approach if I had to start from scratch?
👉 Master the fundamentals: Understand logic, algorithms, and architectures. AI helps, but it won’t think for you.
👉 Use AI as an assistant, not a pilot: I’d ask questions, test ideas, but always make sure to understand the answers.
👉 Specialize: The future belongs to those who combine technical expertise with real added value: creativity, business understanding, or the ability to work on complex projects like SaaS or distributed architectures.

Conclusion:
Learning to code in 2025 is like learning to surf in a sea stirred by AI. You need to know how to ride the wave while avoiding drowning. 💻🌊

What about you? How do you see learning to code in the age of AI? 🤔
Let me know in the comments! 👇