Artificial Intelligence is one of the rapid advancement in modern technology, from different field aspect, finance, medicine, commerce and also to itself, technology. In technical side, developers, who maintaining all of the fascinating stuffs on a software applications, have now a powerful tools at their disposal to assist with coding, debugging, and even optimizing their applications. AI-driven code assistants like Github Copilot, ChatGPT, and Tabnine are developer's best friend to make the development fast and easier, even for those who are still in learning process of fundamental stuffs or having no clue how to code at all, can produce a software application at its peak. But does integrating AI tools before mastering the fundamentals of a programming language or framework help or hinder a developer's growth?
Pros of using AI
AI can be a valuable learning companion, especially for beginners like me before. It accelerates the learning process by providing real-time code suggestions, improving optimization, and reinforcing best practices. Instead of spending hours searching through documentation or forums, beginners can receive instant guidance, helping them overcome roadblocks faster.
One of the most powerful aspects of AI tools is their ability to break down complex code into simple, digestible explanations. AI doesn't just suggest code, it can provide line-by-line explanations, highlighting why a particular approach is used and how it affects performance. This allows learners to grasp fundamental concepts faster and more effectively.
I personally experienced this when I was learning ReactJS. At first, I found it daunting to understand how React works under the hood. Concepts like the Virtual DOM, JSX, Component-based Architecture, hooks, and state management seemed overwhelming. I often struggled to connect the dots, and reading documentation alone wasn't enough to solidify my understanding.
However, when I started using AI-assisted tools, my learning pace changed significantly. Instead of just copying code snippets, I could ask AI to explain why React re-renders components, how hooks behave in different scenarios, and the best way to manage state efficiently. This approach helped me move beyond surface-level knowledge and truly understand the logic behind React's workflow.
By using AI as an interactive tutor rather than just an autocomplete tool, I was able to build a stronger foundation in React. It didn't replace my need to practice and experiment with code, but it made the learning process more structured and engaging.
Cons of using AI
While AI can be incredibly helpful, it also comes with drawbacks that can hinder a developer's growth if not used properly. I learned this the hard way when I became too comfortable relying on AI as my go-to partner in software development.
One of my biggest struggles was procrastination. Since AI made coding so convenient, I often skipped the process of carefully proofreading the code it generated. I assumed the suggestions were always correct, only to find myself facing unexpected errors later. Debugging became frustrating because I didn't fully understand the AI-generated solutions in the first place. This experience taught me that AI tools, while powerful, are not infallible. They can produce inefficient, redundant, or even incorrect code, and blindly trusting them can lead to more issues than solutions.
Another major challenge was my lack of discipline when encountering concepts beyond my knowledge. Instead of taking the time to research and deeply understand those concepts, I relied on AI to provide quick answers. Over time, I noticed that my understanding of certain topics remained shallow. I could use the code, but I couldn't explain why it worked or how to modify it for different scenarios. This over-reliance prevented me from developing a solid foundation in key programming principles.
Perhaps the biggest pitfall I fell into was treating AI as a supercharged search engine. I stopped looking things up on Google or reading documentation because AI could instantly fetch answers for me. While this seemed convenient, it actually stunted my problem-solving abilities. I realized that I wasn't training myself to think critically or explore different resources to solve a problem. Instead, I was just accepting AI's responses responses without questioning them. This mindset made me less resourceful and more dependent, which is a dangerous habit for any developer.
Through these experiences, I learned that AI should be used as a tool for guidance, not as a replacement for learning. While it can boost efficiency, relying on it too much can lead to a lack of critical thinking, weaker debugging skills, and a surface-level understanding of programming concepts.
Striking the Right Balance
Reflecting on my journey with AI as my development companion, I've come to an important realization, growth happens when you embrace the hard things. AI is undoubtedly a groundbreaking innovation that has transformed the tech industry, making learning and development more accessible than ever. It has the power to assist, optimize, and even simplify complex tasks. However, one lesson I've learned is that true mastery comes from facing challenges head-on, not from leaning too heavily on AI for every solution.
I'm not saying that AI should be excluded from a developer's workflow, far from it. AI is an incredible tool that can enhance productivity, provide valuable insights, and streamline the learning process. But there's a fine line between using AI as an aid and becoming overly dependent on it. The key is to have the drive to do the hard things, the problems that make you struggle, the concepts that don't immediately make sense, and the bugs that take hours to fix. Pushing through these challenges without immediately turning to AI builds problem-solving skills, strengthens understanding, and ultimately makes learning more meaningful.
Up until now, I still use AI tools, but over the past few months, my perspective has shifted. I no longer see AI as the first and final answer, I see it as an assistant, not a replacement. These days, I challenge myself more, forcing myself to think critically before seeking AI's help. It's frustrating at times, even stressful, but I hold on the the belief that the effort will pay off. Every struggle, every problem solved without shortcuts, bring me one step close to true expertise.
In the end, AI is a powerful ally, but it should never take away the essence of learning; curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to embrace the difficult path. Because real growth doesn't come from finding the easiest way out, it comes from pushing through, even when it's hard.
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