Should I learn to code in 2026?

Yes, regardless of how good LLM coding becomes people will still be required in the loop at some point. Programming knowledge will help you even if AI does all the coding.

I agree in principle. Just unsure whether future programming looks anything like todays'.and how much understand an average person in the loop will actually need if one is not a coder by profession

Apart from regular coding, I now have to learn the various functionalities and features of AI Editors and concepts such as rules, skills, harness, etc. etc. Cursor seems to be different from Claude Code, and every day some or other editor is launching new concepts that I can't wrap my head around. I haven't tried claude code anytime and used only Cursor, but Claude Code terminal coding is scary.