Why learn Python when there is A.I.?

Have you ever wondered if Python is becoming obsolete with the rise of A.I. and tools like ChatGPT? Why spend years learning a skill that can be solved in a single prompt?

As A.I. continues to reshape visual effects, animation, and game development, it's tempting to think that scripting may no longer be essential. Is this really the case, or are we being duped by the A.I. bubble of false promises? Before we answer the questions ourselves, let's ask the tool that started the hype: ChatGPT.

Prompt: Do I still need to learn Python scripting when I have A.I. tools?

ChatGPT: "AI tools are a complement to, not a replacement for, Python scripting skills. They amplify your abilities but rely on your expertise to use them effectively. Python remains a foundational skill for long-term success and flexibility in technical fields like VFX, animation, and games." - 13.01.2025

Let's take a closer look and find out why Python remains a cornerstone skill, even as A.I. takes the stage.

Python vs M.L. vs A.I.

Every job has a variety of repetitive tasks including: Managing assets, configuring scenes, and troubleshooting complex workflows. Scripting is the antidote to that grind. Python is the scripting language that lets us automate mundane processes, freeing up time for creativity and problem-solving. But with the rise of machine learning and A.I., we have a new competitor for Python tasks and a potential contender to eliminate the need to learn scripting ourselves.

Let's compare all 3 departments and what they do and need:

• Python: Automation of workflows

  • Does: Pipeline with save, load, scene creation, publish, …

  • Needs: Coding skills

• Machine Learning: Optimizing results

  • Does: Autocorrect rigging, animation, stylization, faster rendering, …

  • Needs: A LOT of input data

• A.I.: Intelligent but not smart assistant

  • Does: Create code snippets, draft images and videos, helps understanding, …

  • Needs: Management and guidance

Intelligent but not smart Assistant

A.I. seems almost magical in what it can do: From autocorrecting animations, to generating textures, to improving rendering speeds. But here's the thing: A.I. is not as autonomous as it seems - yet. It's powerful, but only within the limits we set. That's where Python comes in. Coding doesn’t just coexist with A.I. and machine learning; it enhances it. A.I. might generate brilliant results, but it ensures those results fit seamlessly into our pipeline including code generated by the same A.I.

Current A.I. has a variety of restrictions:

1. A.I. needs supervision: AI doesn’t understand intent. Coding gives us the control to guide its outputs, ensuring they align with our creative goals.

2. A.I. lacks generality: AI is great at specific tasks but struggles with end-to-end workflows. We can connect the dots, making sure every part of our pipeline works in harmony.

3. A.I. can’t improvise: Production environments demand flexibility. We can build custom tools and adapt to unexpected challenges, something AI can’t do on its own.

ML and AI are just the next step in automation - conscious automation but they're not able to replace the need for Python code or skills.

"A.I. tools are a complement to, not a replacement for, Python scripting skills."

Python in the A.I. era

Mastering Python today is about working smarter alongside AI, not about competing with it. By using a A.I. as our assistant, we gain the ability to:

• Build tools that seamlessly integrate A.I. into our workflows

• Automate repetitive tasks that A.I. can't do

• Create hybrid solutions that leverage the best of both technologies

• Work better with machine learning and AI that understands its logic

  
  

And it's not intimidating. We don't need a degree in computer science to get started. We treat it like learning a new design tool: Focusing on the basics and building from there. Within weeks, we can start writing scripts that make a tangible difference to our day-to-day work.

Scripting skills are essential to the modern day artist

Resume

The industry is transitioning in the age of A.I. , but it's not an exclusive choice between Python and A.I. Instead, the future belongs to professionals who know how to combine the two. Learning Python provides the flexibility and control to make A.I. a true creative partner, not just another black box. Python is the foundation for anyone interested in working with Machine Learning and A.I. Whether we're aiming to use them better, build custom machine learning and A.I. models, or automate advanced tasks.

We can even integrate A.I. tools like GitHub Copilot into our coding workflow to speed up our process. GitHub Copilot is a specialised A.I. tool (which can also use ChatGPT) that helps our development process by explaining lines, fixing bugs, suggesting code elements, completing features, and predicting what we might need next. A great way to speed up our workflow. To make it really work for us, understanding Python is key. By knowing the basics, we can ensure that the code it suggests is in line with our goals and integrates smoothly into your projects. This is why it remains an essential skill for anyone working with A.I.

Is Python still relevant in the A.I. age? Absolutely! The real question is: How far can you go if you master both? This is where Github's Copilot A.I. comes into play and helps us become better and faster coders. Get our Python Copilot course to become the coder your mum thinks you are after you've successfully rebooted the family Wi-Fi.

Thank you for reading,

Vish Patel & Alex

PS. Join our Python Copilot | TD Meetup live event on the 6th of February 2025.