Do I Need to Use AI as a Software Engineering Student?

You might want to dive into integrating large language models (LLMs) into a project. Start with simple API calls and learn the associated costs. Don’t just use LLMs to generate code—understand how they work and what they can do! There's a lot more to machine learning than just LLMs, so expanding your horizons can be beneficial.

It’s a double-edged sword. Not using AI means you’ll understand concepts more clearly—your problem-solving skills will develop without over-reliance on AI. But using AI can significantly boost your productivity too! I recommend using AI as a supplement—make sure you know your stuff first before depending on it.

Nobody really has a definitive answer here; it's all quite new. My take? Staying grounded in the fundamentals is indispensable. Learning how to use AI is valuable, but don't make it your sole method of developing skills. You need to be able to critically analyze AI-generated solutions, which requires a strong foundation.

You should focus on learning the basics first, then leverage AI to enhance your productivity. While fundamental coding skills are crucial, using AI is becoming more common in job requirements. It's about finding a balance.

It's a tough balance to strike. I've seen many students who relied solely on AI for coding and struggled in interviews because they couldn't demonstrate fundamental skills. On the flip side, I've never heard of someone failing to get hired because they didn’t know how to use an AI tool. So, definitely put in the work to learn the basics first!