Learning to Code in the Age of Models

This article is part of our CS101 series, designed for new coders and learners who want to intuitively understand the computer science theory behind the applications they use. In this post, we reflect on how coding is evolving in the face of AI dominance—and how learners can stay ahead of the curve.

Shifting Foundations

Earlier this year, a provocative essay titled The End of Programming shook the developer community. The author suggests we’re entering a phase where traditional software is no longer written step-by-step, but instead trained, prompted, and orchestrated. The core unit of computing is no longer just lines of code—it’s massive pre-trained models capable of learning behaviors and generating functionality. In this new paradigm, models replace modules, and abstraction happens at a higher level—through data, prompts, and emergent behaviors rather than code alone.

What This Means for Techies

For our Techies, this evolution is a chance to broaden your toolkit—not abandon it. Syntax still matters, but so does your ability to navigate modern workflows powered by AI. Get hands-on with a few AI-assisted IDEs and observe how they complement your coding process. Some tasks are still best done by hand; others are made faster with smart automation. The key is to stay open, experiment, and build confidence in deciding when to rely on AI and when to lead the way yourself.

How to Stay Ahead

Start exploring tools like OpenAI’s Assistants API, LangChain, and Claude workflows. Get comfortable debugging outputs that don’t follow hard logic. Learn what it means to design around uncertainty, and how to measure quality in a probabilistic system. These are skills that will serve you across disciplines—from web apps to data science, product thinking to research.

Enter vibe coding

Vibe coding is a new paradigm gaining traction in 2025, reshaping how developers interact with code. Introduced by Andrej Karpathy, it emphasizes staying in a flow state while AI agents—powered by tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Codex—translate natural language instructions into working code. This approach shifts development from painstaking manual syntax to intention-driven creativity. Platforms like Cursor, Windsurf, and other VS Code forks are leaning into this model, letting developers use multiple AI-assisted IDEs interchangeably—even dragging tabs across them seamlessly. These tools blend suggestion engines, automation, and intuitive UX to keep engineers focused on design and logic rather than repetition.

The future of software might be model-shaped—but that future still needs clear-thinking, curious, and capable humans to build it.

And that’s you.

Student Deals Worth Grabbing

If you’re a student diving into the world of vibe coding and AI-powered development, there has never been a better time to equip yourself with cutting-edge tools—for free. Cursor, one of the most exciting AI coding editors on the market, is now free for students. Think of it like VS Code with a built-in pair programmer who understands your entire codebase and suggests edits contextually—it’s seriously impressive. But here’s the catch: Cursor isn’t a shortcut to becoming a developer. It’s a multiplier. When you’ve taken the time to understand how code works, tools like this make you faster, sharper, and more confident. If you skip that foundation, you might generate code, but not understand it. Learn first—then accelerate.

There are more offers out there to help you level up. Gemini Advanced is free for college students in the U.S. through finals 2026 if you sign up by June 30, 2025. If you’re in Europe, Claude is building strong university partnerships through programs like Claude Campus Ambassadors and Student Builders. Microsoft continues supporting learners with Azure Dev Tools for Teaching, and if you’re just getting started with AI, the University of Helsinki’s Elements of AI offers a beginner-friendly course that’s already helped over a million people learn AI fundamentals. For a deeper guide on tools to boost your academic workflow, check out SSBM Geneva’s roundup of the best AI tools for students in 2025. Use these offers to build smarter, ship faster, and stay ahead—your journey is just beginning.

Outro

As you explore this new landscape, remember—real growth happens when you build, share, and learn alongside others. Don’t just code in isolation; join communities, attend meetups, talk to fellow builders, and ask questions. Whether you’re sketching your first side project or pairing with an AI agent on a complex task, the best way to grow is to stay curious and connected. The world needs more thoughtful builders—and you’re already on your way.

Learning to Code in the Age of Models - Summer 2025 Prep