GitHub CEO Calls Out AI Panic: Why the Idea of Coding Skills Becoming Obsolete Is Mistaken
In an age dominated by artificial intelligence, fears about the future of coding are spreading fast. Many believe that AI tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and other code-generating platforms will soon make human coders irrelevant. However, GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke is pushing back on that idea — and he wants developers to stop panicking.
The notion that AI will make coding skills obsolete is mistaken, Dohmke argues. Instead, AI is reshaping the role of the programmer, not replacing it. As the head of one of the most developer-centric platforms in the world, Dohmke’s insights carry weight, and his message is clear: coding is evolving, not disappearing.
Coding Skills Are Still Crucial in the Age of AI
Let’s begin with the focus keyword right away — coding skills are not becoming obsolete. According to Dohmke, coding remains a foundational skill, much like reading and writing. AI may assist in writing code, but understanding how that code works, debugging it, and creatively solving real-world problems through programming logic is still very much a human-driven task.
GitHub Copilot, a product developed by GitHub and OpenAI, is designed to assist developers, not replace them. It speeds up development by suggesting snippets and functions based on context. But as Dohmke highlights, the developer still holds the steering wheel. Tools like Copilot rely on the coder’s intent, understanding, and judgment.
AI as a Co-Pilot, Not a Pilot
The metaphor of Copilot is not accidental. AI is there to help — not to lead. Just like how autopilot works in planes, the pilot (or developer) still needs to be fully in control. Dohmke’s vision aligns with a future where AI augments the capabilities of coders, allowing them to focus on more creative, architectural, and problem-solving aspects of development.
In fact, with the rise of AI tools, coding skills are more in demand than ever before. Knowing how to code gives professionals a significant advantage when using AI tools effectively. Without a basic understanding of programming, even the best AI tool can’t be used to its full potential.
AI Can’t Replace Problem-Solving, Creativity, or Contextual Thinking
Artificial Intelligence is excellent at spotting patterns and generating code quickly. However, it lacks context, emotion, and ethical reasoning. A skilled coder doesn’t just write syntax; they design systems, analyze problems, debug issues, and make architectural decisions. These are tasks that AI still struggles with.
GitHub’s CEO emphasized that problem-solving is at the heart of programming, and this is something that remains uniquely human. AI might suggest 100 lines of code, but it’s the developer who understands whether it solves the actual problem, adheres to project constraints, and follows good practices.
More People Will Learn to Code, Not Fewer
Another powerful insight from Dohmke is the idea that AI will democratize coding. By lowering the barrier to entry, more people will be able to build software. Non-programmers, designers, or marketers might use AI tools to automate small tasks, build prototypes, or tweak scripts.
But this doesn’t mean that expert coders will disappear. On the contrary, as software continues to eat the world, skilled developers will be needed more than ever to build, maintain, and improve complex systems. As Dohmke puts it, “The world is being built on software, and developers are the builders.”
AI Will Require New Coding Skills, Not Eliminate Them
Rather than eliminating the need to learn to code, AI introduces new layers of coding knowledge. Prompt engineering, understanding how AI models work, managing machine learning pipelines, and integrating AI into apps — all these require strong programming fundamentals.
GitHub CEO warns that those who stop learning in fear of AI will be left behind. Instead, developers should adapt, upskill, and collaborate with AI tools, just like how past generations adapted to the arrival of compilers, IDEs, or cloud computing.
Education Must Evolve, But Learning to Code Remains Essential
Another critical point Dohmke makes is about education. He encourages schools and colleges to embrace AI, but also to focus on teaching problem-solving and logic over memorizing syntax. In his view, coding is the new literacy, and AI is the new calculator — it supports, but doesn’t replace, the human brain.
Young developers and students should not fear AI but treat it as an opportunity. By mastering both programming and how to leverage AI tools, they will be far more equipped for the future than those who rely solely on either one.
Conclusion: Coding Skills Are Far From Obsolete
The AI revolution is real, and it’s transforming the way we code. But as GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke reminds us, coding skills are not obsolete — they’re evolving. Developers should embrace AI as a powerful assistant, not a competitor. The future belongs to those who can combine the power of machine intelligence with the insight of human logic.
So, if you’re learning to code or working in tech, don’t let the AI panic distract you. Coding is still one of the most valuable skills you can have in the 21st century. And with AI as your copilot, your journey is just beginning.
