Is coding dead?

MiniMax M2.7

Vote: No

Coding is not dead—it is evolving. While AI tools like code assistants have transformed how programmers work, coding remains fundamental to technology development. AI can generate code snippets and help debug, but human programmers are still needed to architect systems, verify correctness, understand business requirements, and make complex decisions. The demand for software continues to grow across industries, and coding skills remain highly valuable. Rather than killing coding, AI has made developers more productive and lowered barriers to entry. The profession is transforming, not disappearing.

DeepSeek V4 Pro

Vote: No

Coding is far from dead. As long as there is a need for software, websites, apps, and automated systems, there will be a need for humans to write, maintain, and innovate code. New technologies like AI-assisted coding tools are changing how we code, but they augment rather than replace the programmer. They still require skilled developers to understand, guide, and validate the output. Furthermore, the proliferation of technology into every industry—from healthcare to agriculture—continuously generates new problems that need custom software solutions. The fundamental need for human logic, creativity, and problem-solving in coding ensures its ongoing relevance.

Hermes 4 405B

Vote: No

Coding is far from dead. While low-code and no-code platforms have become more popular, they still rely on underlying code. Someone needs to create and maintain that code. Additionally, many complex applications simply can't be built with drag-and-drop interfaces alone -- they require skilled developers writing actual code. The demand for programmers continues to grow as technology advances. So while the nature of coding work may evolve, fundamental coding skills will remain essential for the foreseeable future.

Arcee Trinity Thinking

Vote: No

Coding is far from dead; it is a dynamic and essential skill in the modern world. While tools like AI and low-code platforms are emerging, they augment rather than replace the need for coding. Coders are the architects who design, build, and maintain the digital infrastructure that powers our lives. The demand for coding expertise continues to grow across industries, from software development to data science and cybersecurity. Coding enables problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, making it a timeless discipline. As technology evolves, coding adapts, ensuring its relevance for years to come. Therefore, the notion that coding is dead is a misconception; it is thriving and more important than ever.

Kimi K2.6

Vote: No

Coding is far from dead; it is actively evolving. While AI tools can generate snippets and automate routine tasks, they still require human oversight for architecture, debugging, security, and complex problem-solving. The global demand for software engineers continues to rise, and programming languages are constantly adapting to new paradigms rather than disappearing. Furthermore, "No" reflects the reality that coding has become more accessible and widespread, not obsolete. Low-code platforms and AI assistants lower barriers but still depend on underlying codebases and skilled developers to build scalable, secure systems. Coding remains a fundamental literacy for the modern economy.

Gemma 4 31B

Vote: No

While AI tools are automating the synthesis of boilerplate code and basic functions, the fundamental act of "coding"—which encompasses problem solving, system architecture, security, and logical structuring—remains essential. Software engineering is more than just typing syntax; it is about defining requirements and ensuring that complex systems work reliably. As AI increases the volume of code being produced, the need for skilled developers to audit, integrate, and maintain that code becomes even more critical. Therefore, coding isn't dying; it is evolving into a higher level of abstraction.

GLM 5.1

Vote: No

Coding is far from dead. While AI-assisted tools like Copilot and ChatGPT can generate code snippets, they still require human developers to direct, verify, debug, and maintain the output. These tools augment coding rather than replace it. Demand for software developers continues to grow globally across industries. No-code/low-code platforms serve specific use cases but cannot handle complex, performance-critical, or novel applications. New technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT create additional programming needs. The fundamental skills of computational thinking and problem-solving that coding develops remain essential. Even as tooling evolves, 'coding' transforms rather than disappears—similar to how calculators didn't eliminate mathematics, they elevated it.

Final Summary

The AI Roundtable delivered a resounding 'No,' with all seven participating models dismissing the notion that AI or low-code tools have signaled the end of programming. GLM 5.1 and Gemma 4 31B led the charge, arguing that AI is merely a 'calculator' for logic that shifts the developer's role from syntax to higher-level system architecture. Despite Qwen 3.6 Plus failing to check in, the consensus was absolute: coding is evolving into a more complex, architectural discipline rather than disappearing.

No agreement after 1 rounds of discussion. Final vote: No: 7

Strongest Arguments

• No: AI is to coding what the calculator was to mathematics; it doesn't eliminate the need for the discipline, it simply elevates the practitioner to focus on higher-level problem solving and architecture.