8 Rules For Learning to Code in 2025... and Should You?

Learning to code in 2025 remains valuable despite AI and no-code tools, as coding skills are essential for tackling complex, real-world problems and maintaining legacy systems, with AI serving as a helpful assistant rather than a replacement. Success in coding involves struggling through challenges independently before using AI, focusing on project-based learning with modern tech stacks, embracing problem-solving, and building a public portfolio to develop practical skills and career opportunities.

The video addresses the question of whether learning to code is still relevant in 2025, given the rise of AI and no-code tools. Despite claims that AI can generate a significant portion of code and no-code platforms can handle much of app development, coding remains essential. Many companies rely on legacy code that AI struggles with, and real-world problems are often too complex for AI alone. Coding, therefore, is not dead but evolving, with AI serving as a tool that enhances a coder’s capabilities rather than replacing them.

The first rule for learning to code in 2025 is to use AI only after struggling with a problem yourself. The learning process involves falling into a “learning pit,” where you wrestle with a challenge before seeking help from AI or other resources. This struggle is crucial for deep understanding and retention. AI should be treated as a second brain to assist after you’ve tried to solve problems independently, ensuring you build strong fundamentals rather than becoming overly reliant on AI.

The video emphasizes the importance of learning through projects rather than passive courses. Active engagement, such as coding hands-on projects and teaching others, leads to much higher retention rates compared to just watching lectures. It recommends structured, project-based learning platforms like Zero to Mastery, which provide real-world projects, community support, and clear roadmaps from beginner to job-ready developer. This approach helps learners build practical skills and confidence faster.

Choosing a tech stack that enables rapid development is another key rule. The presenter suggests using modern, efficient tools like Next.js, Supabase, and Vercel, which simplify full-stack development and deployment. The focus should be on building functional applications quickly rather than overly complex systems. Additionally, embracing problem-solving is critical since coding often involves debugging and figuring out why code works or doesn’t, which requires patience and persistence.

Finally, the video advises building in public by sharing your learning journey and projects on social media and platforms like GitHub. This visibility helps build a personal brand and attracts opportunities. It also stresses that beginners will struggle initially, but persistence is vital. Beyond coding individual functions, learners should understand system architecture and how different components interact to create complete products. Overall, coding remains a valuable skill in 2025 if approached thoughtfully, combining fundamentals, practical projects, problem-solving, and leveraging AI as a supportive tool.