I'm a second-year computer science major and want to make sure my coding work feels authentic and that I'm actually learning. However, using AI tools is quite tempting, especially when deadlines loom and I'm struggling with assignments. I admit I've 'vibe-coded' in the past when I've felt overwhelmed. This year, I've been trying to use AI more judiciously, mainly to catch bugs or help with small issues. I also started using the built-in AI features on VSCode, which my friend's parent, a software engineer, recommended. But I've received some flak for using it, and now I'm worried that makes me a 'vibe coder' too. Does anyone have advice on how I can ensure I'm truly learning and not just taking shortcuts?
5 Answers
To avoid being a vibe coder, just try coding without the AI for your assignments. It might sound simple, but learning to solve problems on your own is key. You get to understand the logic better, too!
Check if your school has an AI policy for your courses. In the end, you want your tuition to be worth it, so focus on doing the assignments independently to really grasp the material. The goal is to learn how to write code, not just to finish assignments.
Be careful with AI-powered features in your code editor. While some autocomplete functions can be helpful, relying too heavily on them means you might miss out on important learning opportunities. Make sure you understand the code you're writing and how it functions before leaning on AI for assistance.
I recommend not using any AI tools when you're still in learning mode. They can distract you and prevent you from developing your own ability to read and understand code. It's better to struggle a bit and truly learn what's going on.
If you're going to use AI, think of it as a mentor rather than letting it do your work. Use it sparingly to clarify concepts or guidance on error messages. The best route is to struggle a bit and learn to troubleshoot issues on your own, so that your code reflects your understanding.
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