Understanding how and why something works is far more important to me than simply getting it to work.
That’s why I tend to avoid GUI tools—unless I’m intentionally using them to build a mental model and the visual layer actually helps. I want to understand the architecture, the intent, and the moving parts beneath the surface first.
Once I can clearly articulate how a system works and why it’s designed that way, then I’m open to layering on a unified GUI (if one exists). At that point, it becomes a productivity tool—not a crutch.
This approach turns skill into something real, transferable, and high-value.
Understand first → layer convenience later.
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