ChatGPT just aced BYU’s intro to comp sci class, getting a perfect 100% for the entire course. But AI’s latest achievement doesn’t mean human programmers are over.

AI Goes to College

BYU’s Computer Science 110 is called simply “How to Program.” It’s BYU’s most basic computer science class, covering stuff like variables, if-then statements, and simple algos.

BYU doesn’t let actual human students use any form of AI for Comp Sci 110. My kneejerk reaction as a technophile is “that’s stupid” — but their reasoning convinced me.

From the syllabus:

These tools are pretty cool and fun to use. They’re kind of like using a calculator, but for writing code. Depending on the problem, your mileage may vary in how effective these tools are: they do pretty well on the simple stuff, and sometimes do alright on harder stuff. These tools are not very good at breaking down complex problems into smaller pieces, which is a fundamental learning outcome of the course.

Just how it would be impossible to excel in an advanced math class if you had to constantly pull out a calculator for every simple addition or multiplication problem, you will not be prepared to program anything but the most primitive pieces of code if you do not practice the basics we present in class.

BYU doesn’t tell students not to use Copilot outside class. In fact, they’ll even get you a free license!

But using it on class assignments and exams is verboten. To quote Comp Sci Professor Porter Jenkins:

“…they become so much of a crutch for people, especially young people, that we sort of collectively lose the ability to think.”

Why We Have to Learn Without AI at First

Imagine if way back in 1st grade in 1992, I had used a calculator to learn addition. For the rest of my life, I kept doing it that way, because it’s all I know.

Now in 2024, you ask me “Francis, what’s 5 + 3?”

I would know how to punch the numbers into a calculator. And I’d know how to read you the result, “8!”

But I would have no idea what any of this really means.

The same principles apply with code.

AI + Humans Wins

I’ve always wanted an app to find firewood stands. When I go camping in a new area, finding a stand with decent wood at a reasonable price can be difficult.

So this morning, I used the newest models from Anthropic to spin up the basics of an app. Let’s call it Woody.

It does a great job! In seconds, I have the basics of my new app.

But I’ve never used React. So, I don’t really understand what Claude gave me.

If this code ever has a problem, I won’t know how to fix it. I also don’t know much about how to make it better, other than just to ask Claude again.

Maybe I could get the app up and running anyway. But now imagine if I’m also competing with Jim and his new FireStand app.

Jim knows React inside and out. And he has access to AI too!

Who do you think is gonna win here?

Wrap-Up

In time, I think we’ll see software development start to look a lot like chess.

The best chess players in the world aren’t humans on their own. And they’re not computer programs either.

The best chess players on earth are humans using computer programs. The program makes suggestions, and the skilled human makes the ultimate decision.

That’s where software is headed. In fact, that’s where knowledge work as a whole is headed.

But you can’t get there if you let the AI do all your thinking for you.

Where do you think software is heading? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Photo: “When Computers Were Human” by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.