Artificial Intelligence is shaking up the way we learn to code. For those just starting out, tools like ChatGPT and Cursor can seem pretty magical — you type a question, get an answer, and just drop it right into your project (for the most part).
But here’s the catch: if you’re just copying and pasting code, you’re missing out on the most important part of learning — understanding the 'WHY" behind your code. Coding isn’t just about cranking out lines of code; it’s all about solving problems, debugging, and thinking like a developer.
Instead of letting AI handle your programming for you, think of it as a tutor right beside you, the mentor you never had. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
Ask for Explanations, Not Just Code
Instead of saying:
"Write me a JavaScript function that reverses a string."
You might want to try:
"Could you explain the steps I need to take to reverse a string in JavaScript, instead of just giving me the code?" This way, you’ll get a clearer picture of the thought process involved. Then you can have a go at writing that function on your own. If you hit a wall, ask for a little hint instead of the whole answer. My personal way of doing things includes asking for hints or pseudo code first.
Collaborate with AI on Debugging
If your code is throwing errors, don’t just drop it in and ask AI to sort it out. Instead, consider:
"Here’s the error message I’m getting. Could you clarify what this error typically means?" Now you’re learning why the error occurs, rather than just applying a quick fix. Eventually, you’ll start spotting those error patterns on your own.
Break Down Problems Step by Step
Coding is all about solving problems piece by piece. AI can help you practice this:
- Describe the problem in your own words.
- Ask AI: “What’s the first step I should take?”
- Put it into action.
- Then ask for what comes next. This helps you build the skill of breaking down problems — a crucial ability for any developer.
Compare Your Code Instead of Just Replacing It
After you’ve come up with your solution, you could ask AI:
"Here’s my code. Can you review it and suggest any improvements?" Now you’re not skipping learning; you’re enhancing it. AI acts as your code reviewer, helping to identify best practices, optimizations, or edge cases you might not have thought of.
Set “No Code” Rules for Yourself
A great way to develop discipline is to make a personal rule:
- AI can explain concepts, steps, and errors.
- But it can’t hand me finished code until I’ve given it a go myself first. This approach pushes you to try finding solutions, while still having AI there as a backup.
Final Thoughts
AI is a fantastic tool — but it should serve as your guide, not your autopilot. As you’re starting out, the aim isn’t just to wrap up a project; it’s to build the skills to tackle problems independently.
Think of AI like a tutor who offers hints when you get stuck. If you use it thoughtfully, you’ll develop into a much more capable developer — someone who understands the why behind the code, not just the what.
💡 How about you? How are you incorporating AI into your learning? Do you see it as a helper, a teacher, or maybe… a crutch?
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