The Coder's 'Old Gym': Rejecting AI Autocomplete, Embracing the Pure Joy of Programming

Shopify's CEO advocates for AI-assisted coding, but the author takes a different approach, choosing to return to the "old gym" – focusing on manual coding and enjoying the challenge and satisfaction of problem-solving. The author believes AI excels at repetitive tasks, but core programming thinking, design, and architectural decisions still require human input for true skill improvement, avoiding becoming a mere "skilled worker" reliant on tools. The article urges programmers to maintain independent thinking in the age of AI, using AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement, growing through problem-solving, and ultimately becoming better engineers. It's about preserving the craft of coding, not rejecting progress.