Learning with an AI Chef! Programming is Just Like a 'Cooking Recipe' #41

"Program development seems so complex and difficult..."
I thought so too, and avoided it for a long time.

"Requirements definition? Functional specifications? You mean I can't even start without those!?"
"No, no, all I want to do is use a program to make things quick and easy..."

Even I, who used to do research in the sciences, was once blocked by the wall of technical jargon. But after actually trying it myself, I finally began to understand a little bit of what they were talking about.

Yes, programming is like deciphering a cooking recipe.
However, that recipe is sometimes as complex as a maze, filled with mysterious ingredients (technical jargon).
But don't worry.

On this journey, you have the ultimate companion: AI.
In this article, I will explain 5 'recipes' to help you overcome the adventure of programming alongside AI.

1. Deciding the Menu and Choosing Ingredients: Requirements Definition and Functional Specifications

To start cooking, you first decide 'what to make,' right?

Curry or hamburger steak? And then you list the necessary ingredients.

This is what is called requirements definition in programming.
Yes, this is the first step to starting the dish called a program.

I used to get lost in this step often.
In the end, the name 'program' took precedence, and I couldn't see
"what I wanted to do"
or
"what I could do" at all... (bitter laugh).

Now, I would say this:

"Imagine yourself making things easy by offloading the tedious work you're doing right now onto someone (a program)!"

You feed that vague desire to "make things easy!" directly into a smart chef called AI.

Then the AI will think of "a list of features to solve this problem"
, in other words, a concrete menu.

Yes, with this, you can start the dish called a program.

Requirements definition, meaning "what to make", becomes clear, and
functional specifications, meaning "what ingredients and steps are needed", come into view.

AI is the ultimate interpreter that connects non-engineers and engineers.

2. Creating the Recipe: Design and Flow

Once the menu is decided, the next step is to think about the procedure.
Deciding the order, like "sauté the onions -> sear the meat -> simmer."

This is what is called "design" in programming.

I used to struggle with this part too. My thoughts would often get all tangled up...
But if you ask an AI, 'What steps are needed to achieve this feature?',
it will draw up a clean flowchart for you.

Whether or not you have this blueprint makes a huge difference in the level of completion.

3. Cooking Execution: Coding

It's finally time for the actual cooking.
Following a recipe means moving your hands—which is writing code.

In programming, this is called coding.

I used to stumble just trying to output 'Hello, World'.
But if you ask an AI, 'Tell me the code to create this feature (menu item)', it will present a sample as if by magic.

Recently, we even have partners like GitHub Copilot that sit right next to you and type along.
In fact, according to a Copilot survey, 74% of developers reported increased efficiency.

4. Tasting and Fine-tuning: Integration and Testing

Cooking doesn't end when the dish is finished.
First, you taste it.
You adjust the saltiness or add a secret ingredient, right?

In programming, this is called integration and testing.

If you ask an AI, 'Please taste this code,' it will prepare a checklist called test cases for you.

It will even detect things like it being 'too salty' that I wouldn't have noticed myself.too salty part.

5. The Perfect Presentation: Debugging and Final Adjustments

Finally, the presentation. Drizzle the sauce beautifully and make it look good.

In programming, this is called debugging and final adjustments.

I used to spend days looking for bugs.
But now, if I ask an AI, 'What's wrong with this dish?',
it immediately returns the cause and a fix.
It really feels like having a professional chef coaching you right by your side.

Summary: Program as if you were cooking

I used to think that 'programming was only for special people.'
The journey felt like a lonely battle, walking alone through endless darkness.

But since meeting AI, that view has completely changed.
AI has been the best partner, reliably staying by my side.

Cooking, which we call programming, is no longer a lonely battle.
With an AI chef, anyone can become a 'Hero Chef'.

🍽️ The Next Step

First, try asking the AI this:

👉 "Tell me the Python code to display 'Hello, World'"
👉 "What does this code mean?"

This interaction is your first taste.
It is sure to be the gateway to a new adventure.

The next recipe is here

I have compiled recipes that will make your new adventure even more fun.

• Making Generative AI Your 'Thinking Partner'—How to Use Conversational AI to Deepen Your Thoughts

• Visualizing Stock Volume and Price Movements with Python

• Analyzing Current and Past Stock Holdings from Trading History and Comparing Them with Current Prices

• A Story About Automating Dividend Information with Spreadsheets and Python

I hope your journey of adventure goes more smoothly and is even more fun!