How Can I Improve My Process for Learning to Code with Python and Excel?

If your goal is to actually learn programming, breaking down the task into steps and following through each one is essential. For example, start by getting your code to open the Excel file without errors, then print all rows, filter for 'D', and finally save your filtered data to a new file. Learning happens through the process, tackling each step incrementally. It can be tempting to rush through with AI help, but you really want to understand each part as you go.

There's nothing wrong with using AI to get answers quickly! The real concern is when you need to debug or enhance your code later, and you don’t know what’s happening under the hood. What’s the difference between asking AI for help and vibecoding? It's all about understanding your process and being able to build on top of what you learn.

Your approach sounds pretty standard! I usually start with a broad outline of what I want to accomplish. Then I create a more detailed outline, breaking each major point into sub-points until it’s fine-tuned enough to translate into code. It helps me stay organized and focused on one step at a time.

Honestly, it’s completely normal not to read documentation from start to finish. Most developers use AI or Google to quickly get unstuck and refer to the docs for specific functions. A good approach is to get a rough solution from AI, then check the documentation only for the functions you need (like `read_excel`). After that, try rewriting the code without external help. Remember, documentation is there for reference, not memorization. Over time, you'll find yourself relying on it less as you get comfortable with the patterns.