AI tools like Cursor, Windsurf, GitHub Copilot and others have become the ultimate sidekicks for developers. They can generate code, explain concepts, and even review your work in seconds. It’s kind of magical.
But here’s the catch—if you start leaning on them too much, your own problem-solving instincts might get rusty. So, how do you strike a balance between using AI to speed up your work and growing as a developer?
Here’s a practical approach that helps you do both.
💡 Step One: Think Before You Ask
Before you open ChatGPT or fire up Copilot, take a moment. Think through the problem yourself. What’s the feature supposed to do? How would you build it?
Jot down the requirements. Sketch out a rough plan or architecture. Imagine the data flow. This step activates your brain and helps you build the mental muscles that great developers rely on.
🛠 Try It on Your Own—Even If You Mess Up
Write the code. Or at least give it a shot. Even a rough draft or some messy pseudocode is better than nothing.
And yeah, you might get stuck. But that’s good. The struggle forces you to uncover gaps in your understanding—and that’s where real learning happens.
🤖 Now Bring In the AI
Once you’ve tried it yourself, it’s time to see what AI would do.
Ask your assistant to solve the same problem. Then study the results:
- Did it use a smarter algorithm or a better library?
- Is the structure cleaner or more efficient?
- Are there best practices in there you didn’t know about?
Compare your version with the AI’s. Learn from both. This side-by-side contrast is where the real magic happens.
🔁 Refactor, Remix, Repeat
Use what you’ve learned to refactor your code. Then ask the AI to review your updated version. Could it be improved further?
Play around with different implementations—your original approach, the AI’s, or even a blend of both. The more you experiment, the more confident and creative you become.
❓ Ask “Why,” Not Just “How”
Don’t just copy-paste the AI’s output. Ask it to explain:
- Why it chose that solution.
- What the trade-offs are.
- If there are alternative approaches—and when they might be better.
Understanding the why behind the code is what helps you grow as a developer.
📓 Keep a Learning Log
Start a little dev journal. Write down new patterns you learned, mistakes you made, and things that finally clicked.
Over time, this log becomes your personal treasure chest of insights—something you can revisit and build on.
🚀 In a Nutshell...
AI is an amazing tool. It’s like having a mentor who’s always available, never gets tired, and can teach you new tricks instantly.
But to really grow, you have to put in the reps. Solve problems yourself first. Then let the AI fill in the blanks, offer alternatives, and help you refine your thinking.
That’s how you get better—faster.
Next time you’re coding a new feature, try this method.
You’ll be surprised how much you learn—and how much sharper you become.
Happy coding! 🙌
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