Sources: 
GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke has highlighted the critical need for children to learn real coding skills despite the rise of AI-assisted development tools.
While AI can help founders launch startups more easily, Dohmke warns that
startups built primarily with coding assistants lack substantial value. He explained that
scaling such startups requires deep technical expertise that only skilled developers can provide.
"
The value of your startup isn't defined by what you can develop using cheap measures," Dohmke said, emphasizing that investors look for complex systems built by knowledgeable developers.
He strongly advocates for coding education among children, stating, "
every kid, every child, should learn coding because knowing when to rely on one's own code still matters." This underscores the importance of foundational programming skills in an era increasingly influenced by AI.
Dohmke's perspective reflects a broader industry view that while AI tools lower barriers to entry, genuine software development expertise remains indispensable for innovation and business growth.
In summary, Dohmke urges a balanced approach: leveraging AI tools but ensuring the next generation is equipped with authentic coding knowledge to build and scale meaningful technology solutions.
Sources: GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke emphasizes the importance of coding education for children, arguing that while AI tools can help launch startups, real coding skills remain essential for building complex systems and attracting investors. He insists every child should learn to code to understand when to rely on their own code.