I'm in 11th grade and have been learning Java and a little Python at school for the past few years. I understand those reasonably well, but recently I started building a website with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Since I didn't know those technologies, I used AI to generate most of the code and planned to learn along the way. Instead, I now barely understand how the website works and can't make progress without AI.
I've also started using AI for Java projects, and I'm worried I'm forgetting concepts I previously knew. Using it has become a habit, and I'm beginning to feel dependent on it. Has anyone dealt with this? What practical steps can I take to rebuild my skills and use AI as a tool rather than a crutch?
2 Answers
You don’t necessarily have to quit AI forever, but don’t accept code you can’t explain. Whenever it suggests a command, function, or block of code, stop and look up anything unfamiliar. If necessary, make a tiny practice project to learn that concept first. Try writing your own solution before asking for help, and use AI afterward to review your attempt or explain an error rather than generate the entire project.
The simplest approach is to remove the temptation for a while. Disable or uninstall coding assistants, then choose one small part of your website and build it yourself. Start with the HTML structure, use documentation such as MDN, and type everything manually. Don’t try to rebuild the whole site at once—finish one simple page, then add small pieces of CSS and JavaScript as you understand them. Feeling stuck for a while is normal and part of learning.
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