With AI, Anyone Can Be a Coder Now | Thomas Dohmke | TED

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how AI is revolutionizing coding through tools like GitHub's Copilot Workspace. This guide will help you understand how to leverage AI to simplify coding, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. With AI-powered coding assistants, you can create software just by speaking, similar to building with LEGO blocks.

Step 1: Understand the Concept of AI Coding Assistants

• AI coding assistants help automate coding tasks by understanding natural language commands.
• They allow users to generate code snippets, troubleshoot issues, and even learn to code through interactive dialogue.
• Familiarize yourself with terms like "natural language processing" (NLP), which enables the AI to interpret and respond to user commands.

Step 2: Setting Up GitHub Copilot Workspace

• Ensure you have a GitHub account and access to GitHub Copilot.
• Install the GitHub Copilot extension in your code editor (such as Visual Studio Code).
• Follow these steps to enable Copilot:
  1. Open your code editor.
  2. Navigate to the extensions marketplace.
  3. Search for "GitHub Copilot" and click "Install."

Step 3: Start Coding with Voice Commands

• Once Copilot is installed, you can start using voice commands to generate code.
• Here’s how to do it:
  1. Activate voice recognition on your device (using tools like Google Voice or built-in speech-to-text features).
  2. Say commands clearly, such as “Create a function that adds two numbers” or “Generate a loop that iterates through an array.”
  3. Review the code generated by Copilot and make adjustments as necessary.

Step 4: Experiment with Different Programming Languages

• Copilot supports multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and more.
• To practice:
  1. Choose a programming language you are interested in.
  2. Use voice commands to generate simple programs (e.g., "Create a Python function that checks if a number is prime").
  3. Test and run the code to see how it performs.

Step 5: Troubleshoot and Learn from Errors

• AI tools can also help identify bugs or errors in your code.
• Use voice commands like “What’s wrong with this code?” to get feedback.
• Pay attention to the suggestions provided by the AI, as this can enhance your understanding of coding concepts.

Step 6: Engage with the Community

• Join online forums or communities focused on AI-assisted coding (like GitHub Discussions or Reddit).
• Share your experiences and learn from others who are also using AI tools for coding.
• Consider participating in hackathons or coding challenges that incorporate AI.

Conclusion

AI technology, particularly tools like GitHub Copilot, is making coding more accessible than ever. By following the steps outlined above, you can start coding by simply speaking your ideas into existence. Embrace this new way of coding, experiment with different languages, and engage with the community to enhance your skills. As you practice, remember that the key takeaway is to leverage AI not just as a tool, but as a partner in your coding journey.