How Can I Reduce My Dependence on AI in Coding?

Change your approach with AI. Instead of asking for full solutions, ask it to guide you with helpful questions. Preface your asks with something like, 'please don't give me the code, but...' This mindset can really shift your focus towards learning rather than just getting answers.

I find AI great for quick documentation and explanations but not for complete coding. It may generate poor code, but it can point you in the right direction or help clarify concepts. This way, you stay engaged in learning while still leveraging AI for simpler parts.

A good way to start is to reduce how often you use AI for solutions. Try asking it questions about how things work instead of directly for solutions, then handle the implementation yourself. AI can be a great resource to reference but focusing on your own understanding is key. I often use AI as a rubber duck to talk through my coding issues or to help visualize data when I'm feeling lazy about libraries like matplotlib.

I believe in feeling proud of the work you produce. Yes, invest time in understanding your solutions and their pitfalls. But remember, tools are made to help you. Not using them might put you at a disadvantage. Think of it like a pilot: while they can navigate by radio, using a flight management system is much more efficient.

Yes, you can definitely ‘unlearn’ to a degree by just putting in the effort to learn independently. Many programmers, myself included, didn't have AI or even the internet back in the day. A tip: be cautious about what info you provide to AI; you don't want to risk leaking sensitive company info or violating IP rules.

It's fine to use tools, but don't let AI handle everything. Remember, you won't get recognized for just being 'proud' or writing fancy code. Instead, integrate AI into your workflow where it saves you time from repetitive stuff, allowing you to focus on more interesting challenges.