Hey everyone! I've been diving into programming for the last three years, but my work limits my coding time to just a few hours daily. I completed a comprehensive course on JavaScript, React, Angular, Node, Express, MySQL, and MongoDB over a year, along with additional courses on CSS, Node/Express from Udemy, TypeScript, GraphQL, and SASS. I've even collaborated on two projects with the same team lead. Unfortunately, the second project didn't work out due to lack of direction and mentorship, while the first was a success and did pay us.
Here's where I need your advice: I heavily rely on AI tools to assist me while coding, but I'm beginning to feel that this hinders my productivity. I still come up with my own ideas and articulate my needs, but I sense I'm losing some critical thinking skills. On top of that, I'm not a fan of working with CSS. I find frontend development dull and unfulfilling, which makes me consider transitioning to backend development.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether I should dive deeper into backend technologies, perhaps even learning a new language, to lessen my reliance on AI. I'm open to continuing my studies and pursuing side projects as I have a stable job, and I'm not opposed to switching careers in a year or two. Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
Try to reduce your reliance on AI. If you really want to grow as a programmer, it might be best to step back from using it too much. Your interest in frontend development doesn’t have to be a barrier; if you don’t enjoy CSS, you can always pivot to backend work without needing anyone else's approval. Trust your instincts!
Consider learning C#! It's a great backend language, and it has a lot of applications. Also, check out 'Clean Code' by Robert C. Martin to refine your programming practices. Uncle Bob has some excellent videos that can help you improve your coding styles.
I totally get that! I find frontend pretty boring too; I prefer developing models and working on backend stuff like endpoints and roles. I initially found AI really helpful for understanding concepts, but now I feel too dependent on it. I’ll try to scale back and focus on my own coding. Thanks for the nudge!