As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the tech world at lightning speed, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has some timeless advice for anyone trying to break into the industry: don’t forget your basics.

In a candid conversation with tech YouTuber Sajjaad Khade, Nadella emphasized that even though AI tools are becoming increasingly powerful, they still can't replace the value of strong foundational knowledge—especially for those aiming for a career in software development.

“Learning how to think like a computer—what we call computational thinking—is more important than ever,” Nadella said. “If you’re aiming to be a great software engineer, your understanding of the core principles matters a lot.”

AI Can Help, But You’re Still the Brain Behind the Code

While AI tools like GitHub Copilot can now write substantial chunks of code, they still rely on human guidance to understand what problems need solving. Nadella shared a personal experience where he used Copilot to debug a tricky coding issue—proof, he said, that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human thought.

“I was working on a problem involving percentiles and filtering data,” he recalled. “Copilot helped, but I had to think through the structure. That’s where the human brain is irreplaceable.”

From Coders to Architects

Nadella believes AI will shift how we work, making us less focused on typing out lines of code and more focused on designing systems and solving complex problems. “In many ways,” he said, “we’re all becoming software architects now.”

And the numbers back it up. At Microsoft, AI is already writing 20 to 30 percent of code in some projects. But Nadella insists that this only raises the bar for human developers to bring logic, structure, and creativity to the table.

Building Skills for the AI Era

To help prepare the next generation, Microsoft is making major moves in India. In collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the company plans to train half a million individuals by 2026—including students, teachers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs.

The initiative includes:

• Setting up 20 AI productivity labs across 10 Indian states.

• Training 20,000 educators in AI fundamentals.

• Launching an AI Centre of Excellence called “AI Catalysts” to support rural innovation and local developers.

This hands-on push aligns with Nadella’s core message: AI may be accelerating how we build software, but the people who truly understand the 'why' behind the code will be the ones who succeed.

The Bottom Line

If you're thinking of entering the tech world and worried that AI might take over, take a breath. According to Nadella, the real superpower in this new age isn’t being the fastest coder—it’s being the smartest problem solver.

So learn the tools, but never stop building your base.

AI may assist, but it’s still your ideas that will lead the way.