Google’s head of research, Yossi Matias, is doubling down on the decade-old advice to “learn to code,” even as artificial intelligence transforms the software development landscape. In an exclusive interview with Business Insider at Google’s Chelsea office in New York, Matias emphasized that understanding coding fundamentals remains crucial in the AI era.
The tech industry has witnessed dramatic shifts in how code is written, with AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot significantly reducing coding time. One Microsoft manager recently estimated that AI has reduced 70% of his time spent coding. This transformation has sparked anxiety among software engineers and computer science students worried about job security and career prospects.
Matias, who also serves as a VP at Google and spent over a decade in leadership at Google Search, acknowledged that junior professionals have faced “some challenges” in recent years gaining necessary experience. AI naturally handles “more junior level” tasks, which has impacted entry-level opportunities. However, Google has sponsored initiatives to help junior employees navigate this transition.
Despite AI’s growing role, Matias stressed that AI isn’t replacing the entire coding process. While Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that a quarter of all code at the company is now AI-generated, engineers still review and accept all AI-produced code. “I think that basic coding is like basic math,” Matias explained. “You need to understand what’s going on there.”
The executive believes coding literacy is essential even for those not pursuing software engineering careers, comparing it to understanding mathematics despite computers handling complex calculations. With AI becoming increasingly integrated across industries, understanding technology fundamentals provides a foundation for leveraging these tools effectively.
Matias highlighted that AI’s impact extends far beyond chatbots and software development. Google Research has already deployed AI in flood forecasting models that save lives and image classification tools for healthcare diagnostics. The executive cited testimonials from people who credited these tools with potentially saving their lives by prompting them to seek medical attention.
Healthcare and education represent massive opportunities for AI transformation, according to Matias. Given the global shortage of healthcare workers, AI can enhance productivity, improve equity, and assist with disease identification. In education, AI could create interactive quizzes and make learning more engaging and effective.
With AI impacting virtually every field—especially biology, chemistry, and medicine—Matias emphasized that “it’s important to master the basic things,” including coding fundamentals, to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Key Quotes
I think that the basic notion of learning the basic disciplines remains as important as ever
Yossi Matias, Google’s head of research and VP, emphasized this point when discussing career advice in the AI age, pushing back against assumptions that AI makes coding skills obsolete.
I think that basic coding is like basic math. You need to understand what’s going on there.
Matias drew this comparison to explain why coding literacy matters even for non-engineers, suggesting it’s fundamental knowledge for understanding how technology works in an AI-driven world.
Perhaps even more so now, there are going to be many more opportunities to actually build on that
The Google executive explained why coding skills may be more valuable than ever, suggesting that AI creates new opportunities for those with technical foundations rather than eliminating the need for coding knowledge.
It’s not only chatbots
Matias stressed this point to highlight AI’s broader applications beyond conversational tools, pointing to life-saving flood forecasting models and healthcare diagnostics as examples of AI’s transformative potential across industries.
Our Take
Matias’s message represents a nuanced middle ground in the heated debate about AI’s impact on tech careers. Rather than dismissing concerns or claiming AI will eliminate coding jobs entirely, he acknowledges the transition challenges while emphasizing that foundational skills remain essential. This perspective is particularly significant coming from Google, a company at the forefront of AI development that generates 25% of its code using AI.
The comparison to mathematics is especially insightful—we don’t stop teaching math because calculators exist. Similarly, understanding coding principles becomes more important as AI tools proliferate, enabling professionals to effectively direct, evaluate, and integrate AI-generated solutions. The real shift isn’t whether coding matters, but how it’s practiced: moving from writing every line manually to orchestrating AI tools, reviewing outputs, and solving higher-level problems. This evolution demands stronger fundamentals, not weaker ones.
Why This Matters
This perspective from a top Google executive provides crucial guidance for workers and students navigating the AI revolution. As generative AI tools rapidly automate coding tasks, many have questioned whether programming skills remain valuable. Matias’s endorsement of coding education signals that understanding technology fundamentals will be essential for leveraging AI tools effectively rather than being replaced by them.
The story highlights a critical tension in the AI era: while AI handles routine tasks, human expertise remains necessary for oversight, strategy, and complex problem-solving. This has significant implications for education systems, workforce development, and career planning. Rather than abandoning technical education, the message suggests doubling down on fundamentals while adapting to AI-augmented workflows.
The broader impact extends beyond software engineering. As AI transforms healthcare, education, biology, and other fields, technical literacy becomes a universal skill for professionals across industries. Matias’s comparison of coding to mathematics suggests it should be viewed as foundational knowledge for the 21st century, not just a specialized career skill. This perspective could influence educational policy and corporate training programs worldwide.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/google-research-head-career-advice-learn-to-code-2024-11