Source URL: https://simonwillison.net/2025/Mar/16/john-naughton/#atom-everything
Source: Simon Willison’s Weblog
Title: Now you don’t even need code to be a programmer. But you do still need expertise
Feedly Summary: Now you don’t even need code to be a programmer. But you do still need expertise
My recent piece on how I use LLMs to help me write code got a positive mention in John Naughton’s column about vibe-coding in the Guardian this weekend.
Tags: ai-assisted-programming, the-guardian, generative-ai, ai, llms
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the evolving role of large language models (LLMs) and their ability to assist in programming without the need for traditional coding skills. It highlights a personal experience that illustrates the potential benefits of leveraging LLMs in software development, emphasizing the importance of expertise alongside automated tools.
Detailed Description: The text touches on key themes in the intersection of AI, programming, and expertise, particularly through the lens of large language models.
– **AI-assisted Programming**: The text suggests a shift towards using AI tools, specifically LLMs, to streamline the coding process.
– **Vibe-Coding**: Refers to a trend where the emphasis is on ‘vibing’ with the code rather than solely relying on classic programming methods, as noted in John Naughton’s column.
– **Implications for Programmers**: While LLMs reduce barriers to entry for coding, it is emphasized that a certain level of expertise is still crucial for effectively utilizing these tools.
– **Potential Impact on Software Development**: This approach could democratize programming skills, enabling a broader range of individuals to contribute to software projects without traditional coding knowledge, impacting job roles and educational pathways.
– **Generative AI Context**: The incorporation of generative AI in programming reflects a broader trend in technology where AI is used to augment human capabilities in creative and technical fields.
In summary, the text highlights the growing importance of generative AI, particularly LLMs, in transforming how programming is approached while underscoring the need for foundational programming knowledge and expertise. This is particularly relevant for security and compliance professionals as they assess the implications of AI integration in software development processes, including security vulnerabilities and compliance with best practices.