Should I ditch AI tools and start coding from scratch?

I definitely think stepping away from AI tools is a good move. If you're leaning on them too much, you're not really learning. There are tons of free resources out there—dive into some courses, practice writing code on your own, and solve simple problems just using your own skills. Only after you've got the basics down should you think about using AI as a backup, like a code reviewer or a way to get explanations for tough concepts.

It's totally normal to forget some basics, especially if you've been using AI a lot. I recommend picking a basic coding resource and restarting the fundamentals. Try solving small problems without any AI or Google help until you can remember constructs like loops and functions by yourself. Once you're solid with the basics, you can bring AI back as a helper, not a crutch.

Don't stress about forgetting syntax. Googling is a part of coding, and even experienced coders do it! Just try to minimize your use of AI when you're starting out, especially if you're asking it to write code for you. Once you get more comfortable, you can use AI to clarify how specific pieces of code work. And as for your big project, start small! That's the best way to build your confidence.

Yes, starting from scratch without AI is the way to go. If you can't code without it, you're going to struggle in the long run. Think of it like using a calculator—you might get the right answer, but you'll never understand the math behind it. Focus on building your skills from the ground up.

Hey, let yourself experiment! It might seem like a dead-end right now, but you can use AI to help you learn and iterate. Start with a small project, and if you get stuck, use AI to nudge you in the right direction. Just make sure you’re still doing most of the heavy lifting yourself.