In this New AI Era, Coding Is Literacy
Every seismic shift in technology has done more than just change how we work—it has redefined how we think, build and solve.
Much like the printing press sparked a renaissance in communication and learning, today’s advancements in artificial intelligence are ushering in a 21st-century renaissance—one that’s redefining what it means to be fluent in the digital world. We’re not just adapting to new tools; we’re experiencing a fundamental shift in the skills that empower us to create, connect, and innovate.
According to our 2025 Work Trend Index Annual Report, 90 percent of industry leaders in the Bay Area have near-term plans to use AI agents to scale their workforce’s capacity. And as someone who has spent my career at the intersection of product, data, and user experience, I believe we are severely underestimating the scale of this shift.
Here are three truths I hold close as we navigate this new era:
1. Coding is about more than just syntax
Betting against computer science today is like betting against reading in the 14th century. Coding is no longer just a technical skill—it’s a new form of literacy. This isn’t about memorizing syntax or mastering obscure APIs. It’s about cultivating computational thinking.
These logic skills help us break down problems, understand systems and design solutions. Even as AI takes over more of the “hands-on-keyboard” work, the need for human judgment to orchestrate that work grows. What’s the point of building all these powerful models if we don’t have the reasoning skills to push this advanced intelligence to its full capabilities?
If you’re going to work with AI systems, you need to understand how they think. That’s not optional. It’s essential.
2. The rise of the full-stack creator
AI is democratizing expertise and dismantling silos that once defined traditional tech roles. The lines between “designer,” “engineer,” and “product manager” are blurring. Today’s creators are more fluid, moving from idea to execution with fewer handoffs.
Deep expertise still matters. But AI is empowering individuals to stretch across disciplines, to build and ship faster. As our 2025 Work Trend Index put it, “every worker will need to think like the CEO of an agent-powered startup.”
3. Diverse Builders = Diverse Outcomes
We’re creating the most powerful systems humanity has ever known. If the people building them don’t reflect the diversity of the world, the outcomes won’t either.
At Microsoft, we’re doubling down on access. We’re making sure that people who didn’t traditionally have a seat at the table can now build the table. Whether it’s through no-code tools, inclusive hiring, or community partnerships, we’re committed to ensuring that the future of tech is built by everyone—for everyone.
A Final Thought
My computer science education isn’t just a credential—it’s a mindset I carry with me every day. One small way I keep that learning muscle active: a simple browser extension. Every time I open a new tab, it asks, “Whatever you’re about to do, can AI help you do it better?”
It’s a small prompt, but a powerful one.
Because the future belongs to those who ask better questions. This is a remarkable time to be a creator. The question is – how will you rise to meet the challenge?
