Why Mechanical Engineers Should NOT Learn to Code

I get a lot of questions asking if mechanical engineers should learn programming. However, this is not the right question to ask I think. In this video, I'll explain why most mechanical engineers should not learn to code and who can benefit from knowing how to program.

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[whff]

From my experience (I am a structural engineer). What engineers need to learn is not about the coding, but computer science. So they would understand much better about how the software they're using (for example FEA suites) do under the hood (algorithm, data strucutures, libraries), and use it effectively for their own purposes.

[keydi]

I am a mechatronic engineer, and recently i learned VBA from scratch, knowing prior to that a little bit of C and java, i am using that skill to automate CATIA V5 task, such as, in the drafting module, automatically rename vue title, detect dimensions with a bad precision, part without axis system in part design module I enjoyed that a lot, because it is almost magic to see things that could take hours done in seconds, with history generated in excel recording all sorts of DATA, i feel like a software engineer now at some point.

[Tim-mqhu]

I feel like this is a very necessary video. I mean there is a reason why different majors have a different curriculum, we do different things! Even if mechanical engineers and programmers work on the same, robot for example, they work on different aspects of it. Having a base knowledge of other aspects you may encounter in a product you are working on is good and all, but you can’t expect to know everything and anything. Yes, programming is the hot thing right now, and if you want to learn programming so bad, you can major on it or get a minor, but you can’t pressure yourself to learn a skill in such a level that doesn’t have to do with your major. Learn it if you like, but don’t feel like you have to just because is a wanted skill got a while different profession.

[thefractalends]

Programming ability is required for mechatronics, which was the core of my ME curriculum. My entire senior year was spent learning python and c++. But in industry, robotics in manufacturing is mostly PLC controls programming (90% of my job search). I wouldn't waste too much time learning a coding Ianguage now. I've generated many programs using AI (in seconds) for automation. All you need to know are the fundamentals of a programming language and how to prompt engineer.

[mdirfanahmed]

I wanted to do masters in renewable/sustainable energy. Can you make a video on it, like what are the job prospects, what kind of job roles we can have ? And of course the money and growth

[alexlarson]

Imo I think it's also important to remind ourselves in anything complex these days that require advanced controls systems and a system of ECMs like avionics or automotive controls, those companies will hire an army of software engineers with CS degrees. Of course we MEs should still have a basic idea of programming and be able to follow ideas to make sure the software engineers are on the same page with us since their stuff controls our stuff. But there is a reason sole software engineering departments exist in aerospace and automotive. It's a full time job in itself. And largely outside our scope. Plus to develop algorithms that advanced, I think you need to understand programming at a very advanced level for advanced avionics or vehicle controls. And to know programming that well requires having your educational and career revolved around that as a core. For me I used an Arraylist in VBScript to automate 10 similar parts varrying only by slot width into a single CMM program in CMM manager and that was it. Even then software engineers from QXsoft provided me the Arraylist framework

[soumildev]

I agree with everything he said and the video ultimately suggest we have to learn it by saying- don't have to learn to code "however"...we have to learn to code whenever it is required and it will be required in every step. As an aerospace engineer I can say it definitely is a requirement if you want to be best.

[konstantinektov]

My scientific supervisor made me to learn python deeply and it was annoying

[alexchen]

You really put things into perspective!

[laysesobral]

I'm a mechanical engineering student with a love for programming (only switched from CS to ME 1, 5 years ago because I loved ME and would still learn to code). I can't wait to start working on projects that need both. Also, being a woman is a small part of it, but is a part of it. I feel like I need to have the broadest set of skills possible to have more value in the job market. It is just a plus, though.

[Ninja-zpwr]

make a video on aerospace engineers after mechanical engineering

[engineeredaf]

Nah, If you’re an ME student today you need some basic coding ability. Python or c/c++. Apart from some of the roles mentioned in the video, Automation is hugely growing field and the new AI age is accelerating it. IMO you’ll need some coding under your belt to be a strong hire.

[L-Office]

I think being able to code a little is always helpful, especially when it comes to automating repetitive tasks. It's just that this applies to basically every job that has something to do with computers

[huizhang]

谢谢分享。plc control in some simple project can make you fully know what you do.

[gabrielvielman]

Thank you for sharing. As someone interested in studying mechanical engineering, I find it very enlightening.

[ongquannguyen]

Totally agreed. Some students may be comfortable with programming and language. But this requirement eliminated many talented mechanical engineer students.

[warbydeception]

I use code only when forced to, meaning only when my project goals clearly define exactly what needs to be programmed. As an ME I do not have the time to learn even one language well enough to know it entirely. I will either trial and error my code or use chat GPT to write it for me if the project is simple enough (like programming a stepper motor or programming a PLC). If the bulk of the project is programming, then it is not in my purview anyway. I do not need to know the specifics of a coding language like the syntax.. I only need to make it do what I need it to do one way or another.

[saraiva]

That's it then!! I must admit I kinda hate materials, but I do love programming, and simulations was my favorite part as an undergrad, so I should work with simulations, or maybe programming ECUs, right?? And about my hatred of materials, I think it's probably because of the teachers and the tests, because I still consume materials-related contents and I must say I kinda like it!! But machine design was definitely the subject I hated the most in college!! I puke just by hearing safety factor and stress concentration factor!!

[shubhamjadav]

As a mechanical Design engineer my company ask me to learn (DRIVEWORKS), integrated automation software in solidworks which requires knowledge of coding in place, should I learn DRIVEWORKS? (Your view), ?

[balajinarayanan]

Very informative video....can you please make a video distinguishing
Mech. Engineering and Aerospace Engineering with the necessary similarities and also about the job prospects etc...Thank you