Utilizing AI like chat GPT or GitHub co-pilot in coding can enhance efficiency as it eliminates the need to write every line of code manually. While traditional coding in vanilla JavaScript may require extensive manual coding for achieving the desired outcome, AI assistance can generate lines of code quickly and effectively. This efficiency is highlighted by the example of a jingle maker app developed solely through AI-generated code, showcasing the vast capabilities AI offers in automating the coding process. However, a drawback of traditional coding mentioned in the snippet is its verbosity and the effort required to write extensive lines of code. Nevertheless, the trade-off for verbose coding is eliminated when leveraging AI tools, allowing developers to focus on the functionality and logic of the application without writing every line of code manually.