I'm currently working as an MLOps engineer at a small IT company, and I've found myself relying heavily on AI like Claude to generate my Python code. In the past, I used to write more of my own code before AI was such a big help. Now, while I can get things to work and ship, I often find myself embarrassed when asked to explain how certain parts of the code work. I'm not looking to write everything from scratch, but I want to better understand the code that's being produced. I deal with a lot of classes, async/await, decorators, and Pydantic models, and sometimes it feels overwhelming to keep track of everything. I can review AI-generated code and make decisions about improvements, but I struggle with the deeper architectural concepts and object-oriented design. I admire developers who can write clear pseudocode and understand the overall flow of their programs. Right now, I'm thinking about turning off auto-completion tools and creating a structured syllabus with daily practice to improve my coding skills on my own. I'd love to hear from anyone who's made a similar transition from relying on AI to gaining a deeper understanding of Python. Any tips?
5 Answers
If you really want to get serious about mastering Python, consider diving into "Fluent Python." It’s a hefty book, but it provides valuable insights into the language. While no one expects you to know everything, having a solid grasp of core concepts can set you apart.
I’d recommend stepping back from using AI for a bit and trying to write your own code. Starting with simple side projects in Python could help you grasp the basics better without getting overwhelmed by AI-generated complexity. It forces you to really think about what you're doing and why, which is crucial for understanding code on a deeper level.
From my experience with large legacy codebases, it's normal to feel lost sometimes. I usually break it down: focus on understanding data structures and workflow first. Sometimes, sketching out diagrams can clarify a lot. It’s a process that can feel slow but is worth it for the complex parts. Just take your time with important sections and it’ll come together.
You might want to read a solid book on design patterns and Python—"Dead Simple Python" is one that I really liked. The more you practice typing out the code yourself, the more you’ll scrutinize every line. Trust me, getting into the nitty-gritty will help you understand the rationale behind your code, which is essential for anything that's not just grunt work.
Regarding your idea of getting a syllabus from AI, I’d worry that might lead you down a generic path. Instead, focus on what specific skills you need for your projects. Try reading open-source projects or focusing on smaller, specific goals. That will help you understand the language in a more practical context.
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