During November 2024, the Fourth Portal participated in the annual procedural programming event, Nodevember. Part of the Innovation Showcase 2024, these sessions aimed to introduce coding to individuals who might otherwise be disinterested and formed part of a broader debate on the relevance of coding in today’s fast-changing technological landscape.
AI-Generated or Human Coders?
When AI can write code as effectively as a senior Amazon engineer, is coding still relevant.
"Coding is just kind of like the language that we talk to computers. It's not necessarily the skill in and of itself," said Matt Garman, Amazon Web Services’ CEO. "The skill is: how do I innovate and build something meaningful for users?"†
Nodevember marked the Fourth Portal’s first exploration of this question. As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speculated, "Easier access to AI technologies will create 1 billion developers."‡ For those passionate about math and engineering, coding will remain central to their development; however, for the majority, coding will remain as mystifying as ever - a magic conjoined by sorcerers.
Nodevember
Due to the short timeframe and the arrival of cold, extremely wet weather, building a cohort for the Fourth Portal sessions proved challenging. There was also some disappointment with Nodevember’s 2024 prompts, which leaned heavily towards gaming, whereas the prompts from 2023 (pictured above) were more open to interpretation. However, significant learning emerged for planning future events.
Samples of work developed during the Fourth Portal Nodevember sessions, 2024
Is Coding Still Relevant in an AI-Driven World?
Could tools like Blender and procedural programming reshape creativity? Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently suggested at the World Government Summit that coding may no longer be essential for everyone.
"Nvidia CEO predicts the death of coding -- Jensen Huang says AI will do the work, so kids don't need to learn." †
Headlines across social media.
His perspective ties into what the Fourth Portal explored with the Nodevember session and reflects on rethinking education and creativity in an AI-driven world.
The AI Revolution and Coding
Huang proposed that AI is transforming the coding narrative. While coding remains crucial for some, Huang argued that AI can turn everyone into a programmer by enabling natural language interaction. This shift 'frees people to focus on areas like biology or education without mastering programming languages.' Huang emphasised, however, the need to understand AI applications to remain adaptable.
Matt Garman echoed this, suggesting software engineers develop broader skills as AI takes on coding tasks. His comments highlight adaptability as key in an AI-dominated future.†
Nodevember and Procedural Creativity
Nodevember at the Fourth Portal was seeking to demonstrate Huang’s ideas. Using Blender and other tools, the focus was on creativity and problem-solving over traditional coding. Nodevember prompts were designed to encourage exploration, design, and collaboration around single words using newly available procedural programming tools. Challenges requiring deeper technical knowledge became opportunities to learn or seek collaboration, making coding less intimidating and more rewarding.
Learning Through Engagement and Rethinking Education
This approach challenges current thinking and policy in education regarding the teaching of coding. Rather than focusing on coding languages that might soon become obsolete, is it not more valuable to foster adaptability and problem-solving skills?
AI’s rapid evolution questions traditional learning models, suggesting that understanding the principles of coding and AI may suffice for many. Nodevember provided hands-on experiences, enabling the tackling of real challenges while exploring AI-enhanced creativity. It highlighted how procedural programming could foster engagement and innovation in those not inclined towards maths and engineering. The sessions offered a glimpse into alternative learning models that may shape future education.
Looking Ahead
As AI transforms creativity and work, events like Nodevember reveal what’s possible. Lowering barriers and encouraging engagement will empower individuals to innovate and collaborate. While not everyone will need to code, creativity and adaptability will remain vital skills for learning and the workplace. Further event programmes like Nodevember will form a significant part of the Fourth Portal’s engagement schedule moving forward.
John M
Links
Innovation Showcase 2024 | Nodevember
Fourth Portal Nodevember event page
Nodevember website
† Business Insider, "AI: In a leaked recording, Amazon cloud chief tells employees that most developers could stop coding soon as AI takes over," June 2024.
‡ MIT Technology Review, "Behind Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s push to get AI tools in developers’ hands," November 2023.
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