Coding Category Archives - General Assembly Blog

Software Engineering and AI: Best Friends or Foes of the Future?

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In recent years, software engineers have been like the work world’s equivalent to the most popular kids in school. With all the ongoing and rapid advancements in tech and focus on all things digital, their skills and talents have been some of the most sought after across all industries. But now, with AI on the rise, some worry it might steal the “cool kid” crown and that the popularity of and demand for software engineers may soon dwindle. And the AI boom’s impact on software engineering is especially of interest to potential career changers. Many who’ve considered making the leap into a software engineering role may now be having second thoughts. 

If you’re one of those people, keep reading. It’s no secret that AI is so hot right now, and all signs are pointing to it remaining hot well into the future. But the idea that AI is going to steal your job and render you irrelevant is a myth. AI alone can’t  fully take on the role of a software engineer — but it will help you become a more efficient coder if you have the right skills to harness it. 

The AI-powered future is here, and it’s time to make the most of it. Keep reading to find out the best ways to leverage AI in your current or future coding role. 

3 Reasons Why AI is a Friend, Not a Foe, of Software Engineering

Some things just go together — peaches and cream, peanut butter and jelly — coders and AI. Being sceptical is a normal part of life (especially when it comes to new pairings), but trust us, coders and AI is a perfect combination. Because picking up new skills and leveraging them with your existing talents is worth its weight in gold. Especially if those skills will help you be more efficient and even better at what you do (or might do in the future). So what exactly can AI help a coder do today? Let us count the ways: 

1. It helps with code generation: 

In the realm of code generation, AI is transforming the way software is written. Leveraging natural language processing (NLP) models, AI can comprehend human-readable descriptions of tasks and convert them into actual code snippets. By analyzing vast code repositories and programming languages, AI-powered systems offer contextually relevant code blocks, significantly reducing the time and effort developers spend on writing repetitive code. Moreover, intelligent Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) equipped with AI capabilities provide real-time suggestions, code completion, and error anticipation, empowering developers to code more efficiently and creatively.

  • Frameworks and Libraries Made Easy: Various AI-powered development frameworks and libraries help developers build intelligent applications easily. These tools provide pre-built modules for tasks like natural language processing, computer vision, and speech recognition, enabling developers to incorporate advanced AI capabilities into their projects without starting from scratch. Examples include: TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn, which have become go-to choices for machine learning tasks.

2. It makes the process of debugging more efficient and precise: 

AI-driven debugging tools employ advanced techniques like symbolic execution, abstract interpretation, and data flow analysis to detect and locate bugs in the code. These tools automate error detection and offer intelligent insights to resolve issues swiftly. As AI algorithms learn from past debugging experiences, they provide relevant suggestions to fix bugs, ensuring developers can deliver more robust and stable software applications.

  • AI Automation Tools to Try: AI-driven automation transforms routine development tasks, reducing manual labor and freeing developers’ time for more complex challenges. AI-powered code generation tools, like Codex and Copilot, automate repetitive coding and improve code-writing efficiency. AI-powered testing frameworks automatically generate test cases, enhancing testing processes and coverage. In DevOps environments, AI facilitates smoother deployments, automates continuous integration and delivery, and enables predictive analysis to prevent potential issues.

3. It improves code efficiency and effectiveness: 

Automated test generation frameworks driven by AI can produce test cases, reducing manual effort and speeding up the testing process. AI helps optimize test suites by identifying redundant or ineffective test cases, leading to more efficient testing practices. AI-powered test execution tools can detect anomalies and unexpected behavior during testing, facilitating the early detection of defects. By harnessing AI’s capabilities, developers and engineers can achieve higher-quality software, shorter development cycles, and enhanced overall productivity.

  • AI-Powered Development Tools to Change the Game: OpenAI’s Codex and GitHub Copilot revolutionized code generation by providing context-aware code suggestions, saving developers time and effort. Tools like DeepCode and Code Review lead to more reliable software. Snyk’s AI-driven security testing prevents potential vulnerabilities, bolstering application security. These tools benefit individual developers and contribute to the overall business success by streamlining the development process and ensuring high-quality software products.

An AI-Fueled Future is Here: Ready to Decode it?

AI-driven tech is optimizing software engineering processes across all  industries. Need even more proof of the positive AI and software engineer connection? Just check out Netflix’s content recommendation enhancement, Salesforce’s Einstein AI generating insights for sales, and AI algorithms ensuring safety and efficiency in autonomous vehicles. These examples all underscore AI’s role in fostering innovation and delivering tangible benefits across diverse domains. 

Software engineers — current and future — have the opportunity to revolutionize the use of AI in coding. AI may be the future, but so are you — if you can embrace and keep up with the pace of change. Imagine the stories you’ll be able to tell future generations about what you worked on during the “fourth industrial revolution.” 

If you’re interested in joining the next generation of AI-empowered coders, check out our Software Engineering Bootcamp. Now with Generative AI Modules, to gain all the coding and AI skills you’ll need for the future of work. Because the future of work is today.

5 Hottest Emerging Tech Jobs So Far in 2023

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Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Discover how the dynamic landscape of tech offers a world of exciting new job roles and demands specialized expertise. Whether you’re seeking a career change or aiming to elevate your skills, this article reveals the path to a promising future.


As technology evolves, new job roles are emerging every day. Professionals who have the right expertise are in high demand. If you are looking for a career change or to level up your skill set, these rapidly growing opportunities could be your path forward.

As economic concerns persist, you might be wondering: is now really the right time to jump into something new? A report from CompTIA found that despite the noise around tech layoffs, jobs in the tech sector will actually grow by 3% in 2023 (that’s 286,400 new jobs). Another study from CBRE found that tech workers in the US have increased 11.4% since 2020, a further indication that the tech industry’s hiring slowdown hasn’t impacted the growth of technical roles overall. 

Every company is a tech company today, and demand for talent that can wrangle data, design immersive experiences, and write code continues to rise. New technologies are evolving rapidly. The time to get your foot in the door is now. As more companies invest in areas like AI and immersive experiences, demand for talent with relevant skills will surge. 

So what exactly are the hottest emerging tech jobs? Let’s break down the roles, the job descriptions, what skills you’ll need, and potential salary. 

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Developer Career Essentials: A Personal Brand Guide for Future Software Engineers

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Searching for your first job in tech can sometimes feel like you’re running a literal race. Especially for potential software engineers. You’re in the middle of a pack, sharp elbows on both sides, sweat dripping. Surrounded by runners on all sides, all you can do is keep moving your feet and look for small openings to leap into to break away.

Are you a future software engineer looking to find your breakout moment and land your first job in the tech industry? Look no further— this article is the ultimate guide to personal branding for developers in the job market. Whether you’re a new General Assembly student or already in the job market, you’ll take away practical steps to stand out in the competitive world of software engineering. 

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Everything You Need to Know About Python: A Beginners Guide to The Best Programming Language to Learn First

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Do you know which programming language powers NASA, Instagram, YouTube, and Netflix? Meet Python. According to the TIOBE Index, Python passed Java and C in 2022 to become the most popular programming language worldwide. Developers everywhere love Python for its versatility, simple syntax, and extensive frameworks.

It’s also the fastest-growing, according to the Popularity of Programming Languages (PYPL) Index. PYPL found that Python dominated 28% of searches for programming tutorials on Google in 2023, a rise of 23% in the past five years.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the advantages of Python and why it’s a great first programming language for beginners to learn. We’ll also share real-world examples of Python applications and the best ways to learn Python. 

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How to Succeed as a software engineer: turning failures into lessons

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Coding & Programming Errors: How to Stay Calm

Software engineering is one of the most in-demand careers out there. According to Statista, the demand for software engineers has doubled since 2022, and the software market value is estimated to reach $208 billion by 2023.

If you’re an early-career professional looking to find a software engineering job, it’s a great time to enter the industry. Tech talent is needed across all industries and is a thriving career path with many career growth opportunities.

In this blog, we will look at the different career challenges faced by software engineers and provide guidance on how to turn failures into valuable lessons for personal and professional growth, plus many more helpful tips and tricks.  

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Why You Should Learn JavaScript: A Beginner’s Guide

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JavaScript is a popular programming language that was born in 1995, and is now core to the modern web. It’s a critical coding skill to learn if you want to get into web development. It’s also a versatile language that can unlock a variety of well-paid job opportunities that are experiencing rapid wage growth. 

According to US News & World Report, software development ranked as the #1 job in 2023. These factors are based on growth potential, salary, employment rate, future job prospects, stress level and work-life balance. The number of software developers is expected to grow to 28.7 million by 2024 globally, a 12.5% increase from 2020. There are many job opportunities for JavaScript developers. One study found the median yearly salary in 2023 was $74,034 USD—up roughly 13% from $65,680 in 2022. 

Salaries can also increase significantly as you gain more experience and advance into more senior developer positions. JavaScript is widely used, so learning it can unlock new opportunities that are remote or freelance.

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Why Everyone Should Learn To Code: What Coding Is, Career Paths, And Coding Salaries

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Steve Jobs famously claimed that everyone should learn how to write code because learning how to code teaches you how to think. Coding is a way to solve real-world problems with existing technology– and it’s a must-have skill for the 21st century.

Curious about how to get into coding? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about coding from what it is from coding basics to jobs that use coding. 

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Afrofuturism & The Future of Tech: 4 Ways to Join the Movement

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Juneteenth holds significant historical importance as it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black people and African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the long-fought struggle for freedom and equality, highlighting the resilience and perseverance of Black individuals throughout history, acknowledging the progress made and the ongoing work needed for racial justice.

Afrofuturism emerges as a remarkable accomplishment within the Black community, as it combines African diasporas, science fiction, and technology to envision inclusive and empowering futures. Afrofuturism celebrates Black imagination, resilience, and creativity, offering a platform to challenge stereotypes and envision a more inclusive and equitable world. By embracing these cultural movements and celebrating Black heritage, society can strive towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

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Mindfulness Tips for Web Developers

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Mindfulness for Web Developers

The fast-paced nature of the tech industry is what draws many to it. The pace can allow for accelerated learning, plentiful growth opportunities, and the ability to make a significant impact. The downside is that, if not managed effectively, it can lead to stress and burnout. 

When it comes to a career in software development, it might seem like the best way to learn programming is to dive in and never come up for air. But if you’re under the impression this is how to get better at programming, we’re here to tell you that’s not the case. Pairing your professional development with mindfulness practices is the best way to succeed as a software developer. 

In today’s environment, many teams have been impacted by layoffs, resulting in more work for remaining and new team members, and more pressure to perform. Setting boundaries and implementing mindfulness practices is more essential than ever —not only for your mental health but also for your work quality and productivity.

This article reviews ten tips for mindfulness for developers — to help you get better at programming without neglecting your well-being. 

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